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.

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Cris Valdez, President of Richland Community College, as he shares the philosophy guiding Richland’s approach to education and the innovations shaping its future. His perspective frames education not merely as instruction, but as a redemptive force—one that restores opportunity, cultivates potential, and strengthens the community over time.

This conversation sets the tone for The Sprout, revealing how years of intentional investment have planted seeds of hope and progress that are now beginning to grow. Through leadership, vision, and commitment to people, we see how education can move ideas into action—and help a community flourish.