Ripple Effect with Synergize & Nexus

From Complaining to Creating: Our traditional EDUCATION system needs to EVOLVE!

In this inspiring episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Arron Stanton and Traver Butcher sit down with educator and entrepreneur Don Wettrick to explore how real transformation in education starts—not with a textbook—but with a mindset shift.
From launching an innovation class that empowered students to chase passions and connect with industry leaders, to challenging the outdated norms of traditional schooling, Don shares how education can—and must—become a catalyst for creativity, leadership, and real-world impact.
Through personal stories, powerful reflections, and actionable insights, Don reveals how teachers, mentors, and coaches can ignite a ripple effect of growth not just in the classroom, but across entire communities.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why seeing problems as opportunities is a superpower students must learn
How mindset shapes both education and entrepreneurship
Why building “seekers and peekers” is essential for innovation
How real-world networking can unlock student potential
The critical role teachers and coaches play in shaping futures
Why the traditional education model needs a major overhaul
How personal growth and mentorship go hand-in-hand
The lasting legacy great educators leave behind
If you believe the next generation deserves more than just standardized tests and outdated models, this conversation will fire you up and equip you to be part of the change.

Why Most Entrepreneurs Crash (and What Saves Them)

In this raw and inspiring episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Arron Stanton and Traver Butcher sit down with Indiana entrepreneur Ben McCann for a conversation that quickly moves beyond startups and success—and straight into the heart of what truly shapes a life.
What starts as a story of business hustle and early fatherhood struggles unfolds into a powerful exploration of forgiveness, identity, spiritual discipline, and living with intentionality. Ben doesn't hold back, sharing vulnerable moments of failure, breakthrough, and the mentors who helped him find resilience when the weight of life got heavy.
Whether you’re building a business, nurturing a family, or navigating your own crossroads, this episode offers wisdom and hope for the journey ahead.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why forgiveness is one of the most underrated leadership skills
How facing anger can actually lead to healing and growth
What it takes to build a legacy that outlasts your success
The daily spiritual practices that keep purpose at the center
How one small act of kindness can ripple outward into lasting change
This isn’t just another business story. It’s a conversation about becoming the kind of person who leaves a mark that matters.

The Future Of Our Community is Shaped Today | Traver Butcher & Arron Stanton

In this conversation, Arron Stanton and Traver Butcher discuss the launch of a new podcast series aimed at exploring the alignment between Synergize and Nexus Impact Center. They emphasize the importance of relationships in creating social impact and how both organizations can work together to foster community engagement. The discussion touches on the fluid nature of impact, the need for accountability in leadership, and the significance of curiosity in building meaningful connections. They also explore the balance between capitalism and philanthropy, highlighting how different leaders can collaborate to create positive change. In this conversation, Arron Stanton discusses the importance of understanding value propositions in business, particularly in relation to community and relationships. He emphasizes the need for curiosity in networking and the transformative power of relationships, highlighting the significance of forgiveness and support in building a healthy community. The discussion also touches on the ripple of impact as a new perspective on return on investment, and the ongoing journey of personal growth and discovery within relationships.
 
Episode Takeaways:
The podcast aims to align missions between Synergize and Nexus Impact Center.
Relationships are crucial for creating meaningful impact.
Leadership must hold itself accountable to foster trust.
Impact is fluid and adapts to the needs of members.
Curiosity in relationships can lead to unexpected synergies.
Capitalism and philanthropy can coexist for greater good.
Community engagement is essential for social impact.
Understanding individual value is key to building relationships.
The podcast will spotlight various community members and their stories.
Building friendships can enhance community connections. Being clear about your value proposition is crucial.
Building relationships takes time and effort.
Community is a key aspect of business success.
Curiosity can lead to meaningful connections.
Relationships require daily commitment and effort.
Forgiveness is essential for healthy relationships.
The ripple of impact is more valuable than traditional ROI.
We must support others in their journey of growth.
Transformational moments often come from being wrong.
Synergize aims to create a supportive and authentic community.
 
 
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Series
01:01 Aligning Missions: Synergize and Nexus Impact Center
02:43 The Importance of Relationships in Impact
04:55 Future-Focused Impact: The Role of Members
06:43 Leadership and Accountability in Impact
08:29 Fluidity of Impact: Adapting to Member Needs
10:22 Reinventing Impact: The Nexus Approach
12:15 The Role of Relationships in Social Impact
14:04 Capitalism and Philanthropy: A Dual Perspective
16:50 Bridging the Gap: Purpose-Driven and Profit-Driven Leaders
19:56 Curiosity in Relationships: Discovering Synergy
24:27 Valuing Relationships Over Titles
27:10 Building Community and Relationships
27:47 Understanding Value Propositions
30:26 Building Relationships and Community
34:23 The Ripple of Impact
37:55 The Journey of Relationships
41:00 The Role of Curiosity in Networking
43:59 Shifting Perspectives on Relationships
48:37 Transformational Moments in Relationships
53:53 The Importance of Forgiveness
58:16 Creating a Supportive Community
01:02:31 The Future of Synergize and Nexus