Ripple Effect with Nexus & Soul Care Coaching

Who supports the people who spend their lives supporting others? When we think about pregnancy and childbirth, we often think about doctors, nurses, hospitals, and the families welcoming a new baby. But there's another group of professionals playing an important role in supporting families throughout that journey: doulas. And while doulas dedicate their lives to caring for others, who is making sure they have the support, education, and community they need to continue doing that work? In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Erin Brier, Executive Director of the Indiana Association for Professional Doulas (INAPD) and founder of the Indiana Doula Conference, to talk about maternal health, birth support, leadership, burnout, and the ripple effect of investing in those who care for others. After nearly a decade of working directly with expecting families, Erin recognized a significant gap in the birth community. While doulas provide emotional, physical, and educational support during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery, many enter the profession without an established network of mentorship, professional development, or ongoing support. And the work can be incredibly demanding. That's what inspired Erin to shift part of her focus toward what she calls "doulaing the doulas." Through INAPD, she's working to create a stronger, more connected community of birth professionals across Indiana while advocating for greater recognition, collaboration, and access to doula services. In this conversation, we explore: What a doula actually does and how their role differs from a midwife or medical provider Why emotional support and education are so important during pregnancy and childbirth The challenges doulas face, including isolation, burnout, and unpredictable schedules How Erin discovered her calling to support families during childbirth Why she launched the Indiana Association for Professional Doulas How the Indiana Doula Conference brings birth professionals together for education and connection Why access to doula services remains a challenge for many families The importance of building relationships between doulas, healthcare providers, and community organizations How doulas support not only mothers but also fathers and birth partners Why reflection, boundaries, and understanding your capacity are essential for sustainable leadership How supporting one professional can create a ripple effect across countless families Why simply asking someone "How can I support you?" can make a meaningful difference One of the most powerful parts of Erin's story is her realization that supporting doulas ultimately means supporting families. When doulas are equipped, encouraged, connected, and supported, they're better positioned to walk alongside families during one of life's most significant experiences. Erin also shares a personal lesson about sustainability. As her own life has changed through marriage, motherhood, and organizational leadership, she's learned that different seasons require different capacities. Sometimes making a lasting impact means taking on less, establishing boundaries, and allowing your work to evolve. And that lesson extends far beyond the birth community. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, healthcare professional, entrepreneur, parent, or someone who regularly cares for others, this conversation is a reminder that you cannot continually pour into others without also making space to be supported yourself. Erin leaves listeners with a simple challenge: Ask someone, "How can I support you?" Sometimes the greatest ripple effect begins with being present, listening, and offering encouragement to someone who needs it. Learn more and connect with Erin: Indiana Association for Professional Doulas: https://inapd.com Indiana Doula Conference: https://indianadoulaconference.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share the Ripple Effect Podcast with someone who could benefit from this conversation.

What if escaping poverty required more than simply finding a better-paying job? For thousands of working single mothers, the challenge isn't a lack of effort. It's navigating the overwhelming costs of childcare, housing, transportation, healthcare, and everyday necessities—often while working multiple jobs just to make ends meet. In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Cameray Vican and Ben Evans of Indianapolis Dream Center to explore what it really takes to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting opportunities for single moms and their children. Indianapolis Dream Center is working to disrupt generational poverty through workforce development, industry-recognized certifications, career opportunities, mentorship, and wraparound support. Their approach goes beyond simply helping someone find employment. It's about building the relationships, resources, confidence, and community that allow families to move from surviving to thriving. Cameray brings both professional experience in nonprofit development and her personal journey as a solo mom. Ben brings decades of experience connecting people, organizations, and resources to create meaningful community impact. Together, they share how Dream Center is building a network of people committed to helping single mothers succeed. In this conversation, you'll hear about: Why working hard isn't always enough to escape poverty How Dream Center's workforce training helps single moms pursue better career opportunities The "benefits cliff" and why earning more money can create unexpected financial challenges Why childcare, transportation, and emergency expenses can derail someone's progress How one local mechanic helped a mom overcome an unexpected car repair The emotional experience of celebrating 30 moms graduating from Dream Center Why building social capital and meaningful relationships matters just as much as increasing income How career navigation and mentorship help women succeed after graduation The importance of partnerships between businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders How faith, personal experience, and purpose shape Cameray and Ben's leadership Why developing leaders requires humility, feedback, and a willingness to keep learning How breaking the cycle of poverty can change opportunities for the next generation One of the most powerful moments in the conversation comes when Ben and Cameray describe a recent graduation. Thirty single mothers completed their training, and their children were there to celebrate. One graduate had been working three jobs while raising five children. The celebration wasn't simply about earning a certification. It was about showing those children that difficult things are possible—and that their family's future can look different. But graduation isn't the finish line. Dream Center continues supporting mothers as they navigate employment, benefits, workplace challenges, and career advancement. Because long-term transformation requires more than one opportunity. It requires people who are willing to walk alongside someone through the entire journey. Cameray also shares a deeply personal perspective on breaking generational cycles. As a solo mom herself, she understands that creating a different future for your children takes courage, sacrifice, and a community of support. And Ben challenges listeners to consider the power of their own relationships. What if the person you know, the resources you have, or the connection you can make could help change the trajectory of someone's life? Whether you're a nonprofit leader, business owner, community advocate, employer, or someone who wants to make a difference, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful impact rarely happens alone. Sometimes the greatest ripple effect begins when an entire community decides to stand in the gap for someone else. Learn more about Indianapolis Dream Center: https://dc-indy.org If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share the Ripple Effect Podcast with someone who believes in creating stronger families and communities.

Why does making friends as an adult feel so difficult? You can live in a city surrounded by thousands of people and still struggle to find your people. In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with FM Loughead, founder of BFF Indy, to talk about adult friendship, loneliness, community, entrepreneurship, and the courage it sometimes takes to simply put yourself out there. FM moved from Downtown Chicago to Indianapolis in 2021 for her husband’s job. Working remotely and with her husband frequently traveling for work, she quickly discovered how difficult it could be to build a new community as an adult. She tried friendship apps. She joined Facebook groups. Nothing really stuck. Eventually, FM realized she probably wasn’t the only woman experiencing this. So she created BFF Indy. What began with FM simply trying to find a few friends has grown into a community connecting thousands of women across Central Indiana through events, community chats, weekly walks, speed friending, local experiences, partnerships, and more. In this conversation, FM shares: • Why making friends as an adult can be so difficult • Her experience moving to Indianapolis without an established community • How her own loneliness ultimately led to creating BFF Indy • Why friendship and community are important at every stage of life • The courage it takes to attend an event when you don’t know anyone • Why sometimes you have to be the person willing to go first • How BFF Indy creates opportunities for women to form genuine friendships • Stories of women who met through BFF Indy and became close friends • How local businesses can partner with BFF Indy and strengthen community • What FM has learned about leadership while building a rapidly growing community • Why listening to the people you serve is essential for sustainable growth • How one small interaction can create a ripple effect in someone else’s life One of the coolest stories FM shares involves two women who met at a BFF Indy speed friending event. As they started talking, they discovered something incredible: They lived in the same building—and their parking spaces were right next to each other. They had been neighbors all along. They just needed an opportunity to connect. That story captures the heart behind BFF Indy. Sometimes the friendships and community we’re looking for may be much closer than we realize. But someone has to take the first step. Whether you recently moved to a new city, have watched old friendships change as life changed, are navigating a new season, or simply feel like you haven't found your people yet, FM has a simple encouragement: Be brave enough to take one step. Make the post. Attend the walk. Sign up for the event. Introduce yourself. You never know who might be waiting to meet you on the other side. And creating a ripple effect doesn’t always require launching an organization or doing something huge. Sometimes it can be as simple as looking up from your phone, saying hello, being patient, showing someone grace, or making another person feel seen. Watch the full conversation and discover how one woman's search for friendship became a community helping thousands of other women find theirs.

Every girl needs to know she is welcome, wanted, valued, and loved®. But for many teen girls navigating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, toxic relationships, social pressures, and questions of self-worth, having a safe place to be honest about what they’re experiencing can make an enormous difference. In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Kristi Hardin, Director of Operations for Girls Nite In International, to talk about mentoring teen girls, mental health, leadership, faith, and the power of simply showing up. Kristi’s passion for helping girls is deeply personal. During high school, she battled an eating disorder, and her recovery created a desire to help other young women facing similar struggles. She originally thought that calling would lead directly into working with teen girls—but instead, her career took her into the corporate world. Years later, Kristi’s mom, Jimme, was teaching at a local high school and repeatedly encountered girls dealing with painful situations and difficult circumstances. She felt called to do something about it. In 2008, she created a curriculum addressing many of the issues she saw girls facing and invited a small group to gather in her basement. She expected 10 or 12 girls. Fifty-five showed up. That night became the beginning of Girls Nite In. Today, Girls Nite In provides mentoring, practical resources, leadership development, and safe spaces where middle school, high school, and college-age girls can have honest conversations, build relationships with trusted women, and discover that they are not alone. In this conversation, Kristi shares: • How her own battle with an eating disorder shaped her passion for helping teen girls • The incredible story of how Girls Nite In began • Why 55 girls showing up to the very first gathering revealed a much bigger need • Why every girl—not only girls considered “at risk”—needs a support system • The importance of trusted adult women and mentors in a teen girl’s life • How Girls Nite In addresses anxiety, addiction, toxic relationships, mental health, and other real-life challenges • Why vulnerability and personal stories help girls realize they aren’t alone • How girls who participated years ago are now returning as volunteers and even bringing their own daughters • Why growth requires choosing progress over perfection • How Girls Nite In is developing girls into confident leaders through practical life and career skills • Why serving others can transform the volunteers just as much as the people they serve • How ordinary people can get involved and create their own ripple effect One of the most powerful parts of Kristi’s story is seeing the impact move from one generation to another. Girls who once needed mentors themselves are now adults, volunteers, leaders, and mothers investing in the next generation. And Kristi makes one thing especially clear: Girls Nite In is for every girl. A girl doesn’t have to be in crisis to need encouragement. She doesn’t have to come from a difficult home to need support. Even girls surrounded by loving families can benefit from having trusted adults outside their immediate family who will listen, encourage them, and help them navigate the challenges of growing up. Sometimes creating a ripple effect doesn’t require having all the answers. It starts by doing the next right thing, being willing to say yes, and showing up for someone who needs to know they are seen and loved.

You don’t need an expensive vacation, a trip to Disney, or a huge budget to create memories your kids will carry with them for years. Sometimes the best family adventures are already happening right in your own community. In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Katy Mann, founder of Indy With Kids, to talk about family, entrepreneurship, community, content creation, and the power of choosing experiences together. Katy started Indy With Kids 17 years ago because she saw a problem: parents were carrying the mental load of constantly trying to figure out what to do with their kids, where to go, what events were worth attending, and what would actually work for their family. She wanted to make that process easier by creating one place where families could discover meaningful activities throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana. What started as a blog documenting adventures with her own family eventually grew into a full-time business, television appearances, tourism partnerships, books, and a trusted resource used by families throughout the region. But through all that growth, Katy says the heart of Indy With Kids has remained the same: helping families connect with one another while also supporting the local businesses and organizations that make those experiences possible. Together, they discuss: • How Indy With Kids grew from a side hustle into a 17-year business • Why entrepreneurs need people who believe in their vision • The reality behind being a content creator and “influencer” • Why authenticity matters more than creating a picture-perfect life online • How Katy balances entrepreneurship with raising four children • Why sometimes protecting your family means saying no—even when it hurts your reach or income • How free and inexpensive local activities can create incredible family memories • Why Katy chooses “micro adventures” and experiences over other expenses • How Indy With Kids has helped drive real customers to local businesses and events • Why accessibility sometimes starts with simply knowing what opportunities exist Katy also gets candid about the sacrifices behind building a business while raising a family. After 17 years, she’s learned that priorities change from season to season—and sustainability sometimes means producing less, earning less, asking for help, and choosing the people in front of you over the algorithm. And when it comes to family experiences, her message is encouraging: meaningful doesn’t have to mean expensive. Katy shares that roughly 75% of the activities her family does are things other families can experience for free, too. From splash pads and festivals to sledding, walking tours, and spontaneous local adventures, there are opportunities all around us—we just have to know where to find them. Whether you’re a parent looking to make more memories with your kids, an entrepreneur building something you believe in, a content creator navigating the pressure to always be “on,” or someone who simply wants to rediscover your own community, this episode will encourage you to be more intentional with the time and opportunities already around you. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share the Ripple Effect Podcast.

What happens when a great business owner needs capital—but traditional lending isn’t an option? In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Ashley Bridges, Build Fund Portfolio Manager at Intend Indiana, for a conversation about access to capital, entrepreneurship, mentorship, community development, and creating generational wealth. After more than a decade in traditional financial services, Ashley transitioned into Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) lending, where the goal isn’t simply to make loans—it’s to help remove barriers for entrepreneurs and communities that have historically lacked access to traditional financial resources. Build Fund combines lending with education and technical assistance to help business owners build sustainable futures. Ashley shares what that impact looks like firsthand, including the story of a woman who had operated her gym for approximately 12 years before Build Fund helped her navigate the process of purchasing commercial space. After a year-long journey, she ultimately acquired two floors instead of one, giving her room to grow the business she had spent years building. Together, they discuss: • Why access to capital remains a major barrier for many entrepreneurs • What a CDFI is and how it differs from traditional banking • Why business owners shouldn’t wait until they desperately need money to explore financing • How business ownership can become a pathway toward generational wealth • The connection between small-business development and affordable housing • Why investing in yourself is essential to building a financially healthy business • The power of mentorship and opening doors for other leaders • Why authentic relationships and community matter for personal and professional growth • How simply showing up can create opportunities you never expected Ashley also shares an important lesson from her own leadership journey: meaningful community isn’t built by simply being in the room. It comes from showing up authentically, introducing yourself, building relationships, volunteering, supporting others, and having the courage to connect. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to grow, a community leader, an aspiring business owner, or someone passionate about creating more equitable opportunities, this conversation is a reminder of what can happen when people have access to the capital, knowledge, relationships, and opportunities they need to move forward. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share the Ripple Effect Podcast with someone who could benefit from the conversation.

What if your bank wasn’t just a place to keep your money—but a partner invested in helping you, your business, and your community succeed? In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Darrius Davis of Generations Community Bank to talk about financial access, small-business growth, generational wealth, leadership, and what it means to truly invest in a community. Generations Community Bank is Indiana’s first Minority Depository Institution, built around a mission of providing resources and financial opportunities to communities that have historically been underserved and underbanked. For Darrius, that mission is deeply personal. Growing up in Indianapolis, his family moved frequently, and it wasn’t until someone gave him an opportunity in banking that he began to understand how financial systems could be used to create opportunity and build wealth. Today, he wants to take what he has learned and make those same tools and relationships accessible to others. Together, they discuss: • Why understanding the financial system is critical to building generational wealth • The role small businesses play in creating healthy communities • Why mentorship and relationships can change the trajectory of someone’s life • How entrepreneurs can use their banker as a strategic thought partner • Why growing or scaling a business isn’t always the right next move • The importance of starting financial conversations years before you need financing • What servant leadership looks like when you’re building something new • Why simply being present and connected can create a ripple effect in your community One of Darrius’ biggest messages to entrepreneurs is simple: start the conversation early. If you hope to purchase a building, expand your business, or pursue another major goal in the next few years, begin building the roadmap now rather than waiting until you need financing. And creating impact doesn’t always require starting an organization or making a huge investment. Sometimes it begins by knowing your neighbors, supporting local businesses, building relationships, and simply choosing to be present. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, emerging leader, or someone who wants to build a stronger financial future, this conversation offers a powerful look at what can happen when banking becomes less about transactions and more about relationships, access, and opportunity. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share the Ripple Effect Podcast with someone who could benefit from the conversation.

For many families, a food pantry is about far more than putting food on the table. In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Colleen Ritchie, Director of Share Food Pantry in Indianapolis, to explore what it truly means to serve people with dignity, compassion, and hope. Colleen shares how a poverty simulation completely changed the direction of her life, leading her from a successful corporate career into nonprofit leadership. Today, she helps create a welcoming environment where every person who walks through the doors feels seen, valued, and cared for. Together, they discuss: • Why many families experiencing food insecurity are working full-time jobs • How providing food, clothing, household essentials, and even free haircuts restores dignity • The importance of removing barriers so anyone in need can receive help • Incredible stories of a community coming together to help families rebuild their lives • Why lasting change happens through relationships, not just resources • How faith, generosity, and community partnerships create a ripple effect that extends far beyond a single meal This conversation is a powerful reminder that meeting someone's immediate need can become the first step toward lasting transformation. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, volunteer, community advocate, church leader, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this episode will inspire you to see the impact that everyday acts of kindness can have on an entire community. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who believes in creating positive change.

What if one of the biggest unmet needs in America isn't food... but soap, shampoo, diapers, and basic hygiene? In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Traver Butcher and Brittany Wayman sit down with Christina Huffines, founder and CEO of Indy Hygiene Hub, to uncover a crisis that affects thousands of families every day but is rarely talked about. Christina shares her remarkable journey from personal hardship and difficult life circumstances to building a statewide nonprofit serving all 92 Indiana counties. What started with extreme couponing and helping a few local families has grown into a movement providing hygiene products, diapers, period supplies, education, and hope to people who often fall through the cracks. Together, they discuss: • Why SNAP benefits don't cover essential hygiene products • The surprising connection between hygiene, mental health, and dignity • Breaking generational cycles through compassion and service • The power of community partnerships instead of competition • What it really takes to build and sustain a nonprofit organization • Why every act of generosity creates a ripple effect far beyond what we can see Whether you're passionate about serving your community, leading a nonprofit, supporting local organizations, or simply looking for an inspiring story of perseverance, this conversation will challenge the way you think about everyday needs and the extraordinary impact one person can make. If this episode encouraged you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who believes in making a difference.

The Ripple Effect Podcast | Featuring Alice Watson, President & CEO of Indiana Black Expo What does it take to create lasting impact in a community? This week on The Ripple Effect, hosts Traver Butcher of Nexus Impact Center and Brittany Wayman of Soul Care Coaching sit down with Alice Watson, President and CEO of Indiana Black Expo, to discuss leadership, community transformation, and the power of investing in people. Alice shares her journey from leading operations across both the public and private sectors to serving at the helm of one of Indiana's most influential nonprofit organizations. Together, they explore the mission of Indiana Black Expo, the importance of creating opportunities that strengthen communities, and how intentional leadership can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond any one individual or organization. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, business professional, or someone passionate about making a difference where you live, this conversation offers valuable insights on servant leadership, collaboration, and building stronger communities. About Our Guest Alice Watson is the President and CEO of Indiana Black Expo, Inc., a nonprofit organization with twelve chapters across Indiana. She oversees the organization's daily operations, community programs, and signature events—including Circle City Classic and Summer Celebration—which collectively attract more than 400,000 attendees and generate more than $28 million in annual economic impact. Prior to becoming President and CEO, Alice served for more than 11 years as IBE's Senior Vice President of Operations, leading finance, operations, marketing, human resources, and youth and family programming. She previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration's Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise Division and held leadership positions with Prima Technology and Thomson Consumer Electronics. Alice earned her degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and serves on numerous civic and community boards throughout Indianapolis. Subscribe to The Ripple Effect for more conversations with leaders who are making a difference and inspiring positive change throughout our communities.