Common sense isn't common—and that's exactly why the work happening in essential skills education matters more than ever.

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Terrence "TAT" Taylor, an Essential Skills Instructor at Richland Community College, to explore how fundamental life skills like self-regulation and self-accountability aren't just assumed knowledge—they're learned behaviors that many people never had the chance to develop.

TAT breaks down why essential skills training starts with a simple truth: people model what they've seen. These critical abilities are often caught, not taught, during our formative years. And when they're missing, the impact ripples through every area of life—from our homes to our workplaces.

But here's the hope: whole humans make all the difference. When we equip people with the tools for personal growth and self-mastery, transformation starts at home and naturally extends into the workforce and beyond.

This conversation is relevant for all ears to hear and all hearts to understand—whether you're an educator, employer, parent, or simply someone committed to personal growth. TAT's insights will challenge how you think about "basic" skills and inspire you to see the profound impact of investing in human development from the inside out.

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Tucker, Director of the Culinary Arts Program at Richland Community College, Brian shares his journey of discovering that when you teach what you love, everything changes—the energy, the connection, and the impact. For Brian, that love is cooking, and it has fueled a teaching style that's as flavorful as the dishes his students create.

Through the Culinary Arts program, Brian has opened doors for students to experience the world, taking them on tours across the globe to learn the science, art, and culture of food. These experiences don't just teach technique—they broaden horizons, build confidence, and show students that education can be a passport to opportunity.

This conversation is about more than food; it's about how Richland Community College is bringing redemption through education and innovation, one passionate instructor and one transformed student at a time. Join us as we discover how Brian Tucker is helping students find their own passion—and their place in the world.

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today, we would like to highlight and honor those who are carrying on the legacy of hope, those who have continued to dream and bring change and transformation. This week's episode is with Gina Taylor, who is the executive director of the EnRich Program. Together we talk about changing lives through education and trauma-informed practices. It was a heartfelt and authentic conversation that reveals the scope of hope and the dreams that are sprouting in our community through Richland Community College.