Welcome back to Mother Tucker Lovin', the official podcast of H M Tucker Inc. In this episode, hosts Kevin Tucker and Michael Wos tackle a topic that connects the stars to the streets — the Artemis moon launch, the unsung heroes behind every mission, and what it all has to do with volunteerism, loneliness, and the power of simply showing up for another human being.

The episode opens with Kevin paying respects to a dear friend's mother who recently passed, setting the tone for a deeply personal conversation about the people who hold us up when life gets heavy. Michael draws a powerful parallel between the Artemis launch and the everyday heroes who never make headlines — the fuel valve checker at three in the morning, the engineer running simulations for the hundredth time. If they don't do their job, the rocket sits on the pad. So who is your launch team?

Kevin reflects on his own — his mother Helen Marie Tucker, his father, his brothers and sisters from a family of twelve. Michael opens up about his foundation — his mother, educators, coaches, and the community that gave him stability and the drive to give back.

The US Surgeon General declared loneliness a public health epidemic. One in four people feel lonely every single day. The research says the antidote is not a pill or an app. It is a table with an empty chair and a willingness to fill it. That is exactly what Helen Marie Tucker had in her home and exactly what HM Tucker Inc. puts into practice every day.

Kevin and Michael break down three things any person can do right now. First, sit with someone and actually hear them out. Second, teach somebody one thing you already know. Third, give someone just one hour. That is how Josh's story began — one hour with Kevin that changed a life. Josh came through the judicial system. College was not his path, but Kevin listened, found what Josh loved, and helped him into a union training program. Today the world is his oyster.

Kevin shares a story about his mother's legendary right hook. As kids, he and his twin brother rallied a crew to sabotage a road project displacing their friends. Night after night they pushed dirt back until they got caught. When his brother stretched the truth too far, he met the Helen Tucker right hook. The lesson — be honest with yourself.

The episode highlights two current stories. Noah, 12 years old and already thinking about how to give back. Marina, a 70 year old Russian immigrant born with polio, who recently stood on her own for three seconds. Shooting for the moon.

April is Global Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Week kicks off April 19th. HM Tucker is looking for volunteers — not perfect people, real people. Give an hour a week, a Saturday a month, or a single afternoon. College students can earn credit. Professionals are needed. Retirees will find purpose here.

No time? Visit hmtuckerinc.org and hit donate. Check out testimonies, success stories, and resources connecting people with housing help, veteran services, workforce training, and student aid.

If you think you can't, you won't. But if you are willing, you just might. Be unconditional about your willingness.

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