Control What You Can Control | A Conversation with Garry Gilliam (Part 2)

About the Episode

In part two of this two-part conversation, Julia Healey continues her discussion with Garry Gilliam as he shares the next phase of his journey from an outstanding Pro Day performance at Penn State to going undrafted and navigating the realities of entering the NFL as a free agent.

Garry walks through the emotional weight of Draft Day, the mindset shift required to focus on opportunity rather than disappointment, and his decision to sign with the Super Bowl–defending Seattle Seahawks. He reflects candidly on early struggles at training camp, experiencing imposter syndrome, and the importance of asking for help, stacking incremental improvement, and controlling what he could control each day

Garry explains how his experiences living and playing in Seattle and San Francisco exposed him to deep systemic challenges around housing, food security, and access to opportunity. Drawing on lessons from the Milton Hershey School and his background in business and sustainability, he outlines the vision behind The Bridge Eco Village — a mixed-use, community-based model designed to help people work, eat, live, learn, and play, supported by education and pathways to self-sufficiency

Connect with Garry: https://www.garrygilliamjr.com/

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The Inspired Changemakers Podcast spotlights people turning purpose into action. Each episode features a new guest sharing their journey, insights, and projects making a difference in their communities and beyond. Listen in, learn, and get inspired to take your next step!

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Control What You Can Control | A Conversation with Gary Gilliam (Part 1)

About the Episode

In Part One of this two-part conversation, Julia Healey sits down with Gary Gilliam — former NFL player, Penn State graduate, and founder of The Bridge Eco Village — to explore how adversity, structure, and belief shaped his path from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to national impact.

Gary reflects on growing up in generational poverty, being sent at eight years old to the Milton Hershey School, and the difficult mindset shift required to move from survival to opportunity. He shares how a “whole child” approach — focused on mind, body, spirit, and community — helped him redefine what was possible when resources and stability were finally in place.

The conversation also dives into Gary’s devastating college injuries, the mental battle of being told he had just a 10% chance of returning to form, and the discipline of focusing on effort, character, and the next right step when everything else felt out of control. Throughout, Julia and Gary unpack bigger questions about education, transition, and why preparing people for success must include preparing them for what comes next.

This episode sets the foundation for Part Two, where Gary’s NFL journey and the vision behind The Bridge take center stage.

Connect with Garry: https://www.garrygilliamjr.com/

Join our community of Inspired Changemakers!

The Inspired Changemakers Podcast spotlights people turning purpose into action. Each episode features a new guest sharing their journey, insights, and projects making a difference in their communities and beyond. Listen in, learn, and get inspired to take your next step!

You can find us on:
Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

BuzzSprout

Support the show

Beyond the Checkbook | A Conversation with Rick Peck

🎧 About the Episode:

In this episode, Julia sits down with Rick Peck, an independent philanthropic advisor and founder of The Philanthropy Guy, to talk about what really moves giving from good intentions to meaningful impact. Growing up in a service-minded family and later working in fundraising, healthcare, and community foundations, Rick shares how those experiences shaped his belief that every great gift starts with a clear sense of values, purpose, and the change you want to see in the world.

Julia and Rick dive into how nonprofits can sharpen their case for support, make it easier (and less intimidating) for donors to say “yes,” and why most organizations are leaving money on the table by not asking for non-cash gifts like appreciated stock, real estate, or business interests. They explore how donor-advised funds fit into the picture, what professional advisors wish nonprofits understood, and practical ways families can use their giving, through DAFs, foundations, and everyday generosity, to teach the next generation about stewardship and service. If you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or advisor who wants to deepen donor relationships and think beyond the checkbook, this conversation offers a roadmap.

Show your support for Rick and this work by liking, sharing, and leaving a comment below.

🔗 Connect with Rick:

Rick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-peck/
The Philanthropy Guy: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com/

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