In this episode of The Legacy Project with Jim Copple, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Beal joins us for a powerful and timely conversation.

From serving five combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan to reflecting on leadership, civility, and the future of democracy, Andrew shares lessons learned on the battlefield and in life.

We also explore one of the most pressing issues of our time: the rise of political violence in America. In light of the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, this episode challenges us to ask: Can America return to civility, courtesy, and genuine dialogue across our divides?

Jim and Andrew’s friendship is proof that people with different experiences and political beliefs can still break bread, share values, and shape a better legacy together.

This isn’t just a podcast about history—it’s about the legacy we choose to leave for our families, communities, and nation.

The Legacy Project is a series of conversations that focuses on legacy, the one we inherit and the one we can create. It is value based and not material based. We interview a wide range of individuals who reflect on key influencers in their lives.

Please subscribe to our podcast to hear future episodes. Please also consider leaving us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts. You can learn more on our Facebook Page.

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Roberto “Taz” Villaseñor: Faith, Policing, and the Power of Listening

In this episode of The Legacy Project, host Jim Copple sits down with Roberto “Taz” Villaseñor, former Chief of the Tucson Police Department and a key member of President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

Taz shares his journey—from growing up in a multi-generational immigrant family in Tucson, to finding faith as a teenager, and ultimately leading one of Arizona’s largest police departments. He speaks openly about the conflict between suspicion and trust, what it's like to be a police chief in a post-George Floyd world, and how his faith continues to shape his life and legacy.

You'll hear real stories—some painful, some redemptive—and gain insight into what it takes to lead with integrity in law enforcement. Whether you're a cop, a reformer, a community advocate, or someone seeking deeper understanding, this episode will make you think.

Check out some of Taz's work at 21CP Solutions. https://www.21cpsolutions.com

The Legacy Project is a series of conversations that focuses on legacy, the one we inherit and the one we can create. It is value based and not material based. We interview a wide range of individuals who reflect on key influencers in their lives.

Please subscribe to our podcast to hear future episodes. Please also consider leaving us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts. You can learn more on our Facebook Page.

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Eric Mills, CEO of Thrive in Martin County, Kentucky, shares his remarkable journey of turning trauma into purpose, addiction into opportunity, and legacy into action. In this interview with Jim Copple, Eric unpacks what it means to "give it all you’ve got" — not just for your family, but for your entire community.

From pioneering recovery-to-workforce programs to teaching his kids the power of faith and service, Eric’s story is a blueprint for rural transformation in America. Don’t miss his insights on faith, fear, and what he’d save if his house were on fire.

Check out some of Eric's work at Thrive Coalition Community and consider becoming involved. https://www.thriveserves.com.

Learn more: servantforge.org
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The Legacy Project is a series of conversations that focuses on legacy, the one we inherit and the one we can create. It is value based and not material based. We interview a wide range of individuals who reflect on key influencers in their lives.

Please subscribe to our podcast to hear future episodes. Please also consider leaving us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts. You can learn more on our Facebook Page.

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The Legacy Project is a series of conversations that focuses on legacy, the one we inherit and the one we can create. It is value based and not material based. We interview a wide range of individuals who reflect on key influencers in their lives.

Please subscribe to our podcast to hear future episodes. Please also consider leaving us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts. You can learn more on our Facebook Page.

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In this powerful episode of The Legacy Project, Jim Copple sits down with Jen Dyer, COO of The PHASE Alliance — a merger of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, Maloof Foundation, and Fight the New Drug.

Jen shares about the deep legacy she’s inherited from two extraordinary women — one an Ivy League educator, the other a fierce, faith-filled mother-in-law. Her journey from international development with Choice Humanitarian to leading the charge against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The raw reality of people living on Skid Row. Her grounding values: Love. Hope. Light.

This isn't just a podcast — it's a call to action.

Check out some of Jen's work at the Phase Alliance and consider becoming involved. https://phasealliance.org.

The Legacy Project is a series of conversations that focuses on legacy, the one we inherit and the one we can create. It is value based and not material based. We interview a wide range of individuals who reflect on key influencers in their lives.

Please subscribe to our podcast to hear future episodes. Please also consider leaving us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts. You can learn more on our Facebook Page.

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Here in Utah I was able to interview in person Miyo Strong, who is the Smart Defense Program Director for the Elizabeth Smart and Malouf Foundation. Miyo is a remarkably talented person who is also a photographer and is just about to become a black belt in Jiu Jitsu. It was a great pleasure to talk with her about the legacy she is leaving behind through her work to end the victimization and exploitation of sexual assault through education, healing, and advocacy. You can learn more about her work at: https://www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-defense

The Legacy Project is a series of conversations that focuses on legacy, the one we inherit and the one we can create. It is value based and not material based. We interview a wide range of individuals who reflect on key influencers in their lives.

Please subscribe to our podcast to hear future episodes. Please also consider leaving us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts. You can learn more on our Facebook Page.

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It was such a pleasure to sit down to interview the wonderfully talented Ashley Hess who’s a singer/songwriter and who you might remember from the 2019 version of American Idol. In this interview Ashley talks to me about her journey as a musician as well as her values and the legacies she’s inherited and those she is seeking to leave behind. I hope you enjoy this conversation and are inspired. Please check out some of Ashley’s music at https://www.ashleyhessmusic.com/ and on most of the music streaming platforms.

The Legacy Project is a series of conversations that focuses on legacy, the one we inherit and the one we can create. It is value based and not material based. We interview a wide range of individuals who reflect on key influencers in their lives.

Please subscribe to our podcast to hear future episodes. Please also consider leaving us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts. You can learn more on our Facebook Page.

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Recently I was able to interview Chief Shon Barnes who is the Chief of Police in Madison, Wisconsin. I first met Chief Barnes when I was co-facilitating the Council on Policing Reforms and Race for the National Policing Institute. He is an impressive member of the next generation of leaders that are emerging in policing in America. Chief Barnes also is part of the 54th Mile Policing Project which is a documentary about a 54 mile walk he took from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama retracing the steps of Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis. In this interview I spoke about Chief Barnes' values and about the legacy that he's inherited and the one that he is seeking to leave behind.

The Legacy Project is a series of conversations that focuses on legacy, the one we inherit and the one we can create. It is value based and not material based. We interview a wide range of individuals who reflect on key influencers in their lives.

Please subscribe to our podcast to hear future episodes. Please also consider leaving us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts. You can learn more on our Facebook Page.

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It was a pleasure to be able to interview Kacie Malouf who is the co-founder of Malouf, a luxury bedding and furniture manufacturer as well as chair of the Malouf Foundation which works to confront sexual exploitation in children. Kacie talks about her family and background growing up and the legacy she’s is leaving behind.

This podcast focuses on legacy, the one we inherit and the one we can create. It is value based and not material based. The Legacy Project Podcast consists of interviews with a wide range of individuals reflecting on key influencers in their lives. Please subscribe to our podcast to hear future episodes. Please also consider leaving us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts.

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The Legacy Project is a series of conversations that focuses on legacy, the one we inherit and the one we can create. It is value based and not material based. We interview a wide range of individuals who reflect on key influencers in their lives.

Please subscribe to our podcast to hear future episodes. Please also consider leaving us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts. You can learn more on our Facebook Page.

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