Voices of OKC

Jed Chappell
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Documentary

Voices of OKC is a podcast born in the heart of Oklahoma City, recorded inside the brand-new studio at City Center, a space created to amplify the voices and stories shaping our community. Hosted by Jed Chappell, whose own journey of redemption and transformation fuels his passion for service, Voices of OKC shines a light on the people and stories that bring hope, healing, and change to our city. From community leaders to everyday heroes, each episode is an authentic conversation about resilience, faith, and the power of second chances. City Center, located in the heart of OKC, is more than just a building; it’s a hub of hope where families and youth find resources, mentorship, and support. The Voices of OKC studio extends that mission, giving our community a platform to share stories that inspire and connect. Join us as we celebrate Oklahoma City through the lens of hope, one voice at a time.

  1. From Jamaica to Oklahoma City: Chef Andrew Black on Food, Work, and Home

    1d ago

    From Jamaica to Oklahoma City: Chef Andrew Black on Food, Work, and Home

    Chef Andrew Black, Oklahoma City restaurateur and 2023 James Beard Award winner, traces the discipline behind his work - from Saturday mornings in his grandmother's Jamaican kitchen to building restaurants in the city he now calls home. He and Jed Chappell talk about consistency, mentorship, staying present, handling roadblocks, and creating businesses that serve more than the people at the table.

    33 min
  2. What Oklahoma City Cannot Lose as It Grows with Brad Carter

    Jun 24

    What Oklahoma City Cannot Lose as It Grows with Brad Carter

    Brad Carter, Oklahoma City’s Ward 1 Councilman, joins Jed Chappell to ask what the city must protect as it grows. They discuss transparent public service, listening across political divides, jobs and AI, recovery, homelessness, and the Oklahoma Standard Carter hopes will still define OKC for the next generation.

    39 min
  3. When Grief Stops Driving the Story: Kristina Mills on Survivor, Loss, and Hope

    Jun 17

    When Grief Stops Driving the Story: Kristina Mills on Survivor, Loss, and Hope

    Kristina Mills did not apply for Survivor because she loved camping. In fact, she had never been camping before. She applied because she felt stuck. After walking through postpartum depression, losing her mother to a fentanyl overdose, and realizing her kids could see the sadness she was carrying, Kristina knew something had to change. So she recorded a simple 60-second audition video and sent it in. That decision eventually took her to Fiji as a contestant on Survivor 49. But the deeper story is not just about a television show. It is about grief, courage, motherhood, mental health, and choosing to move forward when staying stuck would have been easier. In this episode, Kristina shares about her mother’s life, the pain of losing her to addiction, the healing power of telling the truth, and the hope she discovered on the other side of fear. Episode Highlights Kristina’s path to Survivor 49 Why she applied in memory of her mom Postpartum depression and feeling stuck Losing her mother to fentanyl addiction The importance of vulnerability Why addiction can affect any family A powerful moment in Fiji on her mom’s death anniversary Her work helping OU graduate business students prepare for their careers Why grief can be a passenger, but not the driver Guest Kristina Mills Career Coach, University of Oklahoma Graduate Business Program Contestant on Survivor 49 Links Voices of OKC: voicesofokc.com City Center: okcitycenter.org

    16 min
  4. Relationships Matter More Than Programs: Christian Matthews on Mentoring Oklahoma City Youth

    Jun 10

    Relationships Matter More Than Programs: Christian Matthews on Mentoring Oklahoma City Youth

    Most people see after-school programs as activities, games, and homework help. Christian Matthews sees something deeper. As Program Coordinator at City Center, Christian spends his days helping students navigate challenges that often have nothing to do with academics. Behind many behavioral issues are stories of loneliness, bullying, family struggles, anxiety, and a longing to be understood. In this conversation, Christian shares how God unexpectedly led him to City Center, what he's learned about loving people unconditionally, and why relationships remain the foundation of lasting transformation. He also opens up about his personal faith journey, his work as an artist and musician, and the difficult decision to step away from growing opportunities in music in order to pursue deeper obedience and spiritual growth. If you're a parent, mentor, teacher, coach, or community leader, this episode offers valuable insight into what young people need most from the adults around them. Episode Highlights • How Christian discovered his calling to work with youth • Why emotional safety matters for young people • Helping students process difficult situations at home • The connection between self-awareness and personal growth • Lessons learned through mentorship and service • Christian's journey from rapper to faith-driven artist • Why self-love and identity matter for the next generation • What gives him hope for Oklahoma City's youth Connect with Christian Instagram: @hecallsmechristian Learn More About City Center 🌐 City Center City Center champions youth and families in under-resourced communities by creating empowered pathways to relief and restoration.

    30 min
  5. Growing Hope in Oklahoma: Brooke Freeman on Farming, Faith, and Community

    Jun 3

    Growing Hope in Oklahoma: Brooke Freeman on Farming, Faith, and Community

    Brooke Freeman never planned to become a farmer. After years working as a NICU nurse, she found herself wrestling with a simple question: How do we truly help people become healthier? That question eventually led to the creation of Natural Freedom Farm, a nonprofit farm dedicated to growing fresh, nutrient-dense produce for families who might not otherwise have access to it. In this conversation, Brooke shares the story behind the farm, the vision that launched it, and why education is just as important as the food itself. She also explains regenerative farming, food insecurity, and how healthy food can become a pathway to better health outcomes for children and families. Natural Freedom Farm has become an important partner to City Center, helping provide fresh produce that goes directly into meals served to youth and families throughout Oklahoma City. Guest Information Brooke Freeman Founder, Natural Freedom Farm Website: Natural Freedom Farm Connect with City Center City Center

    25 min
  6. More Than Accounting: Daniel Haynes on Purpose, Community, and Oklahoma City

    May 27

    More Than Accounting: Daniel Haynes on Purpose, Community, and Oklahoma City

    There’s a line Daniel Haynes says in this conversation that quietly captures the entire heart of the episode: “When something is led by love, no one gets left behind.” Daniel is the founder of Skyward Financial Solutions, a Certified Fraud Examiner, and co-founder of Live Full alongside his wife, Raven. But more than titles, Daniel is someone deeply committed to stewardship, integrity, family, and serving people well. In this episode, Daniel shares the story of growing up in rural Oklahoma, collapsing during a basketball game because of an enlarged heart, losing a close friend, and eventually discovering accounting as a calling at just 16 years old. Jed and Daniel also discuss the rapid growth of Oklahoma City, why exposure changes lives, how families need community around them, and why leadership rooted in love creates stronger cities. This conversation feels deeply Oklahoma City. Thoughtful. Honest. Hopeful. It’s a reminder that the future of a city is shaped not only by development projects and arenas, but by people quietly choosing integrity, generosity, and stewardship every single day. Resources & Links: City Center Live Full Skyward Financial Solutions

    28 min
  7. Before They Break: GNWY on Mental Health, Purpose & Hope

    May 13

    Before They Break: GNWY on Mental Health, Purpose & Hope

    Some students are carrying pain they do not yet have words for. They may not know if they are angry, sad, scared, overwhelmed, or simply tired. They just know something feels off. And too often, the adults around them rush to correct behavior before they understand what is underneath it. In this episode of Voices of OKC, Jed Chappell sits down with Jordan Miller and Stuart Bennett from Generation Why, a mental health advocacy team serving students through school assemblies, creative arts, mentorship, media, internships, and purpose-driven programming. Generation Why speaks in schools about mental health, anti-bullying, and suicide prevention. But what makes their work powerful is not only the message. It is the way they deliver it. They use rap, spoken word, dance, live painting, DJing, photography, videography, and storytelling to create an environment where heavy conversations can become a little easier to enter. Jordan shares why vulnerability is central to the work. Stuart talks about the importance of asking better questions and giving students time to answer. Together, they describe what it means to meet young people where they are, help them name what they are feeling, and show them that there are more options than the obstacles in front of them. This conversation is about mental health. It is about purpose. It is about mentorship. And it is about the kind of adults young people need in the room. Not perfect adults. Present adults. In This Episode Jed, Jordan, and Stuart talk about: Generation Why’s mission and school-based work Mental Health Awareness Month Anti-bullying and suicide prevention Why creative arts help open up hard conversations The power of asking students “why” and waiting for the answer Healthy vulnerability in mentorship The WHY Lead program at John Marshall How people can volunteer, sponsor schools, pray, give, and share the work Why students need mentors who help them see more options for their future Links Mentioned Generation Why: https://www.pursueyourwhy.org/ Donate to Generation Why: https://www.pursueyourwhy.org/ Generation Why Instagram: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-health-breakthroughs-for-young-adults-families/id1653016005 Urban Bridge: https://www.urbanbridge.org/ Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County: https://www.bgcokc.org/ John Marshall High School / OKCPS: https://www.okcps.org/ Chicken N Pickle OKC: https://chickennpickle.com/oklahoma-city/ City Center: https://okcitycenter.org About Voices of OKC Voices of OKC is a podcast from City Center featuring thoughtful conversations with people helping shape Oklahoma City through leadership, service, creativity, restoration, and hope. Learn more about City Center: https://okcitycenter.org

    39 min
  8. Life Needs Vision: Carey Conley on Vision, Mental Health, and Young Adults

    May 6

    Life Needs Vision: Carey Conley on Vision, Mental Health, and Young Adults

    Some people feel behind before they have even had a fair chance to begin. Behind in their career. Behind financially. Behind relationally. Behind the version of life they thought they were supposed to have by now. Carey Conley hears that often from young adults. And in this episode of VOICES of OKC, she talks with Jed Chappell about why vision matters so deeply in that season of life. Carey is an author, speaker, and vision leader who helps people create a clear written vision for their lives. Her story also carries deep grief. After losing both her husband and son to suicide, Carey chose to build her life around purpose, hope, and helping others find direction through pain. This conversation moves through grief, mentorship, mental health, young adults, negative self-talk, and the courage it takes to start. Carey shares how a mentor helped her realize she could create a life with intention, and why she now wants young adults to understand that their life can carry purpose even when the path is unclear. For City Center, this conversation matters because so much of our work with students is about helping young people see beyond the pressure of the moment. They need more than instruction. They need vision. They need mentors. They need safe places where someone can help them see what is already inside them. Key themes in this episode: Why many young adults feel like they are already behind The role of written vision in grief, purpose, and healing How negative self-talk can shape a person’s future Why mentorship matters at every age How to take the first step before everything feels clear Why every person’s life deserves vision What gives Carey hope right now Guest: Carey Conley Website: https://www.careyconley.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carey.conley/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/careyconleyinc/ Facebook: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2QiVK5LIIA0CeneDEeAcsw Carey’s Podcast: https://www.careyconley.com/podcast Free eBook mentioned in this episode: Vision is Victory https://bit.ly/VisionisVictory Additional resource from Carey Conley: Keep Looking Up: Transforming Grief into Hope After Tragedy https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Looking-Up-Transforming-Tragedy/dp/0996699929/ Watch and follow VOICES of OKC: Podcast Website: https://www.voicesofokc.com YouTube: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-okc/id1847725322 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nUpFLOsHGVtrN8tZz6nlM Podbean: https://voicesofokc.podbean.com Learn more about City Center: https://okcitycenter.org Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide, grief, and mental health. If you or someone you love is in crisis in the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

    22 min
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About

Voices of OKC is a podcast born in the heart of Oklahoma City, recorded inside the brand-new studio at City Center, a space created to amplify the voices and stories shaping our community. Hosted by Jed Chappell, whose own journey of redemption and transformation fuels his passion for service, Voices of OKC shines a light on the people and stories that bring hope, healing, and change to our city. From community leaders to everyday heroes, each episode is an authentic conversation about resilience, faith, and the power of second chances. City Center, located in the heart of OKC, is more than just a building; it’s a hub of hope where families and youth find resources, mentorship, and support. The Voices of OKC studio extends that mission, giving our community a platform to share stories that inspire and connect. Join us as we celebrate Oklahoma City through the lens of hope, one voice at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Jed Chappell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 VOICES of OKC
  • Show Website
    Voices of OKC