Ben Strauss, the founder of Midwest Custom Clothing, shares his story as to why he feels clothing will help bolster the culture of the Midwest.
The is a Forte-Short: Small Stories, Big Purpose.
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Forte Short: Midwest Custom

Thank You, Season 1 Wrap-Up

"It's all about those small steps to make happen." - Christian Sydney
When you think about climbing a mountain, you probably don't think of how it can support refugees. 
Well, that's exactly what Christian and his friends did when they decided to summit Mt. Killamajaro. 
Today on the show, we hear the story of how Christian and his friends decided to use one of the most exciting moments in their lives to give back to others. 
Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: fortepod@gmail.com
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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

E13 - Christian Sydney

"There's something about getting out of bed at 6am when it's cold - it brings everyone together." - Tim Kelly
They run, jump, skip, dance, and know how to have fun.
They are also a part of the movement known as Run Wild CLE - and its aim is to engage the Cleveland, Ohio community in all inclusive workouts, together.
Its founder, Cleveland native Tim Kelly, firmly stands behind the belief that running is capable of empowering a community.
Today, we hear Tim's story on what lead him to not just Run Wild but also, Do Good.
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/RUNWILDCLE/?ref=br_rs
Learn more about their story: http://www.runwildcle.com/
Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: fortepod@gmail.com
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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

E12 - Tim Kelly

"If a child has the chance to experience what Christmas is all about, then it will change how they view the world." - Lakisha Covert
Christmas!
It's a season dedicated to traditions, family, friends, and good cheer.
However, for some families, it can difficult to create that experience for their children, especially if there is any financial burden. 
Enter Kisha: a former teacher/principal whose community-driven vision of the world along with her love of Christmas is giving that holiday experience to families in need. 
Using what she's learned from over a decade in education, Kisha's mission is to ensure every child and family get to experience what the joy of Christmas is all about.
Learn more about The Christmas Experience: https://www.tchristmase.org/
Follow their story: https://www.facebook.com/XmasExperience/
Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: fortepod@gmail.com
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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

E11 - The Christmas Experience

"When I had to become a role model, that became more important than anything else." - Paul Siciliano
How do we change our perception of the people around us?
Like the guy who cuts you off on the highway or the woman who didn't pick up after her dog - how do we see the good them when it's tempting to just get angry?
Paul Siciliano shares with all of us how he is attempting to navigate the answers to those questions. 
Having lived the earlier part of his life frustrated and angry, certain events, including becoming a parent, forced him to look at those emotions differently.
Paul's perspective is now one of kindness. The kindness that keeps people safe on motorcycles, putting a smile on the elderly's faces, and letting his dogs become the mascots of the community.
Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: fortepod@gmail.com
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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

E10 - Paul Siciliano

"I can't volunteer, but maybe I can bring goods for people who need them." -Daniel Sanchez
The Sonoma County Wildfire.
It destroyed 6,600 structures - including 5,130 homes, killing 23 people.
As soon as the fire began to damage those homes, people that lived close by took action. 
One of those individuals, Daniel Sanchez, decided to collect items from friends and family to bring to the Sonoma County area. As a result, he ended up mobilizing a community.
Learn more about the recovery effort in Sonoma County: https://www.sonomacountyrecovers.org/
Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: fortepod@gmail.com
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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

E9 - Daniel Sanchez

"My own self, at my very best, all the time." - Motto of the American Youth Foundation
Those that have participated in any program with the AYF know those words are integral to applying those lessons they've learned, to the values they hold so dear.
By creating an environment where all are welcomed and are challenged to be themselves, the AYF has led the charge with a community of those empowered by self-discovery.
Today, we speak with two individuals who have both witnessed and experience first hand how impactful discovering oneself can be on the youth of tomorrow. 
Learn about the mission - ayf.com
Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: fortepod@gmail.com
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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

E8 - The AYF

"If you're in a position of power to help, and you don't help? That other side comes out of me." - John Feal
September 11th, 2001.
A day that changed everything. The effects of what happened still linger even today.
John Feal has felt those effects first hand. Having had an accident on September 17th at ground zero, he soon learned those who had fallen ill or injured from the fallout debris were not getting the medical compensation they deserved.
Having learned from his mom to give the shirt off his back to those who need it more, John Feal soon got to work. 
A veteran, lobbyist, kidney donor, and now community champion - He continues to fight on behalf of those medically affected by 9/11 and is adamant in honoring those who first responded during our nation's darkest hour.
Follow his fight: fealgoodfoundation.com 
Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: fortepod@gmail.com
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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

E7 - John Feal

"I believe in the power of manifestation." - Tracy Maxwell
The word healing, literally means, to make whole. 
It also happens to be the prime directive of Tracy Maxwell's work. 
Whether it's connecting a community of single cancer survivors, hazing prevention education on college campuses, or coaching someone in their time of need.
Tracy is not only just an avid adventurer, speaker, and healing coach - she is a cancer survivor. One that is committed to letting people know - that they are enough.
Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: fortepod@gmail.com
Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

E6 - Tracy Maxwell

"When I believe in something, it's no holds bar - I can do anything." - Frank Monaco
What do a missing finger and vacuum cleaners have in common? One thing - Magic.
Today we hear the incredible story of an individual who, after persevering through events in his youth, is taking center stage to perform magic to give back to others.
He uses the art form to not only wow and inspire audiences, but to bring a smile to communities in need.
Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: fortepod@gmail.com
Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

E5 - Frank Monaco

"We're literally trying to develop the bodies so the children can actually learn." - Jeffrey Mizell
The year is 2030. World hunger no longer exists.
That is the vision of the world that Rise Against Hunger aims to make a reality.
With the help of thousands of volunteers around the world, Rise Against Hunger has packaged over 355 MILLION meals to date, that have been sent off around the globe to aid in hunger relief.
This week on Forte - Alex Hart and Jeffrey Mizell give us the low down of what it's like to organize, coordinate, and execute these meal packaging events and what impact they've had on the frontlines of eliminating hunger.
An individual with a little time can make the biggest difference for an entire community in need.
Want to learn about their vision?www.riseagainsthunger.org
Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: fortepod@gmail.com
Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

E4 - Rise Against Hunger

"I wanted to make a con that my kids felt comfortable at." - Matt Deroma 
It's a camp and anime convention like no other, that brings together people of all ages, families and geeks alike.
Not only does Matt Deroma's Camp Anime feature rock climbing and archery, but it also brings together a community - where every kid, parent, and volunteer can feel at home to be themselves.
Check out the adventure: www.campanime.com
Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: fortepod@gmail.com
Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
 
 

E3 - Camp Anime

“Your shoulders are throwing a party. They're waiting for your hair to arrive.” - The Longhairs
Advocate. Educate. Celebrate.
The Longhairs are on a mission to deliver all 3 to a community of men with long hair.
What started as an idea for Hair Ties For Guys™ has now developed into a global movement to mobilize the long flowing manes of the world.
Witness the movement: www.thelonghairs.us 
Coupon code: "whatsyourforte" for 10% on all of their product!
Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: fortepod@gmail.com
Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

E2 - The Longhairs

“Running is all about the journey.” - Jay Toole
He's a runner, entrepreneur, and lives for the feeling of race day.
Jay Toole's childhood passion for running and racing led him to create an organization that has enabled hundreds of runners to celebrate the gift of movement together.
Follow the journey: www.theruniversity.com 
Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: fortepod@gmail.com
Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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