Tune in to Bringing Down the HOUSE!

Ali, J’Kalein, and guests discuss all things housing, community, and Iowa Heartland every
other Tuesday in 30-45 minute podcast episodes!

Building Hope: Stories of Geta & Boris

On the series finale of Bringing Down the House, Ali and J'Kalein are joined by Andy Conger, Iowa Heartland's Construction Director. Together, they listen to two stories of hope read by the Habitat for Humanity International CEO, Jonathan Reckford! They also reflect upon the past three seasons of building homes, communities, and hope. You don't want to miss this FINAL episode! Thank you for listening to Bringing Down the House!

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Hosts: Ali Parrish and J'Kalein Madison | Read By: Jonathan Reckford | Guest: Andy Conger | Producer & Editor: Norah Schlax | Music: bensound

March 29, 2022

BONUS: Farewell to Norah

Welcome back to Bringing Down the House! Today Ali and J'Kalein say goodbye to producer, Norah Schlax and test her knowledge on the State of Maine. Norah is returning to Maine to be closer to family and start a new job! Tune in to this fun, heartwarming bonus episode of Bringing Down the House!

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Hosts: Ali Parrish and J'Kalein Madison | Read By: Ben Brustkern | Producer & Editor: Norah Schlax | Music: bensound

March 15, 2022

Building Hope: Lisa's Story

Welcome back to Bringing Down the House! Today Ali and J'Kalein are spending time with Ben Brustkern, the Executive Director of Friends of the Family. Friends of the family is a local organization that provides shelter, confidential services, and housing assistance to individuals in crisis due to homelessness, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. You don't want to miss this difficult, yet heartwarming story of hope! Thank you for tuning in to episode three of Season 3: Building Hope!

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Hosts: Ali Parrish and J'Kalein Madison | Read By: Ben Brustkern | Producer & Editor: Norah Schlax | Music: bensound

March 1, 2022

Building Hope: Karen's Story

Welcome back to Bringing Down the House! Today Ali and J'Kalein bring you a story of hope from one of our new Walnut Neighborhood residents, Karen. Stay tuned and be inspired by her incredible journey from Arizona to Waterloo, Iowa. Thanks for tuning in to episode two of season three!

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Hosts: Ali Parrish and J'Kalein Madison | Read By: Karen Kalaassen | Written by: Karen Kalaassen | Producer & Editor: Norah Schlax | Music: bensound

February 15, 2022

Building Hope: Lorena's Story

Welcome back to Bringing Down the House! One of Habitat for Humanity’s key principals from the very beginning has been to promote dignity and hope. In fact, the theme of hope is woven through all of our work and our mission statement today. That’s why season three, entitled Building Hope, will be designed around stories of hope written by various partners of Iowa Heartland Habitat or members of our community. To kick off season three, Ali and J’Kalein reflect on a story of hope shared by our tithing partner, Habitat for Humanity El Salvador. You don’t want to miss this incredible story from around the world!

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Hosts: Ali Parrish and J'Kalein Madison | Read By: Vanessa Albanéz | Written by: Vanessa Albanéz & Rodrigo Godoy | Producer & Editor: Norah Schlax | Music: bensound

February 1, 2022

BONUS: The Christmas Special

On this special bonus episode of Bringing Down the House, Ali, J'Kalein, and Norah chat about their holiday traditions and look back on their favorite moments of the last two seasons. Norah then puts Ali and J'Kalein to the test in a trivia game, "Name That Guest!". Who do you think will win? Finally, we asked YOU for your favorite Christmas carols in person and on social media! Ali and J'Kalein finish out the episode singing a few carols accompanied by Nathaniel Parrish on keyboard.

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Hosts: Ali Parrish and J'Kalein Madison | Guests: Norah Schlax & Nathaniel Parrish | Producer & Editor: Norah Schlax | Music: bensound

December 21, 2021

Building Community: Philanthropy with Lynette Sorensen and Dylan Does

Today, on the season two finale of Bringing Down the House, Ali and J'Kalein are having a conversation with one of Iowa Heartland's most generous donors and board members, Lynette Sorensen. They also share a few moments with Iowa Heartland's new Development Director, Dylan Does. Thank you for tuning in for another season of Bringing Down the House. Please join our local mission by volunteering your time, or making a financial or materials donation.

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Hosts: Ali Parrish and J'Kalein Madison | Guests: Lynette Sorensen & Dylan Does| Producer & Editor: Norah Schlax | Music: bensound

December 7, 2021

Building Community: Planning & Zoning with Noel Anderson

Today, Ali and J’Kalein welcome Noel Anderson, City of Waterloo's Community Planning & Development Director of 26 years! They chat about all of the ways we partner to develop housing and revitalize neighborhoods in our community. Thanks for listening to episode nine of Season Two: Building Community!

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Hosts: Ali Parrish and J'Kalein Madison | Guests: Noel Anderson | Producer & Editor: Norah Schlax | Music: bensound

November 23, 2021

Building Community: Church Partnerships with Hilary Cornelius and Kris Hoskinson

Churches were foundational in getting Iowa Heartland started 31 years ago and remain some of our most important and strongest partners today. Ali and J'Kalein explore this topic as they chat with Hilary Cornelius, Missions Coordinator at Prairie Lakes Church and Kris Hoskinson, at Orchard Hill Church about our partnerships. Thanks for listening to episode eight of Season Two: Building Community!

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Hosts: Ali Parrish and J'Kalein Madison | Guests: Hilary Cornelius & Kris Hoskinson| Producer & Editor: Norah Schlax | Music: bensound

November 9, 2021