Episode 132

full
Published on:

3rd Aug 2025

Brandy Wallar S3E132

Brandy Wallar, President and CEO of New Visions Homeless Services, grew up in poverty and was raised lovingly by a mother trying to escape domestic violence with four kids and nowhere to go. Now Wallar leads one of the region’s most impactful homelessness organizations, turning lived experience into bold, compassionate leadership. In the show, Wallar shares powerful personal stories, exposes the myths around homelessness, and shows what real change can look like.

Brandy Wallar is a lifelong advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness and hunger in the greater Omaha and Council Bluffs area. Wallar brings over two decades of nonprofit leadership rooted in empathy, resilience, and community impact and holds advanced degrees in human services, has received multiple awards for her leadership, and serves on numerous boards and councils, including the Iowa Governor’s Council on Homelessness. Wallar is deeply involved in civic life across Iowa and Nebraska, championing systemic change and human dignity.

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Lives Radio Show & Podcast with Stuart Chittenden

About the Podcast

Lives Radio Show & Podcast with Stuart Chittenden
Every Sunday at 9am on KIOS 91.5FM, Omaha's NPR affiliate, Season Three of Lives will tackle the big questions: What is a good life? Why are we here? How might we feel more connected? These and other big questions about how we live will be explored each week. Through intimate conversations, fascinating guests will share their spiritual, philosophical, artistic, and cultural approaches to exploring the wonders of our human experience. Join me as we delve into the practical and profound possibilities of living well.

As well as listening to this Season Three of Lives being broadcast on KIOS, listen back to Seasons One and Two, featuring fresh voices and diverse perspectives on culture, community, business, and more. From the Midwest and beyond, inspiring guests share compelling stories spanning the fields of politics, business, media, community activism, arts and humanities, philanthropy, and more.

On air since January 2017, Lives Radio Show & Podcast initially broadcast on the community radio station Mind & Soul 101.3FM in north Omaha, housed at the Malcolm X Center, and more recently broadcast with 1st Sky Omaha.

About your host

Profile picture for stuart chittenden

stuart chittenden

I'm Stuart Chittenden—an existential coach, Certified Humanist Professional, and the creator and host of Lives Radio Show & Podcast. My work centers on helping people explore who they are, what matters most, and how to live well in a world that often rushes past those questions.

Throughout my journey—from law in London to brand strategy and community dialogue in the American Midwest—I’ve always been drawn to what lies beneath: the quiet, often unspoken work of making meaning. Lives is one of the most enduring expressions of that calling. For over eight years, I’ve invited guests from all walks of life into deep, human conversations about identity, purpose, and how we shape—and are shaped by—our stories.

Whether through coaching, workshops, or the microphone, I create space for reflection, connection, and the rich conversations that help us live more fully.