A Gritty Journey of Tex-Mex Theology with Alan Graham, Founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes
From the Bridge to Belonging, with my Neighbor Nancy
On this episode of the Gospel Con Carne podcast, Alan sits down with our neighbor and friend, Nancy!
Born in Germany and raised in North Austin, Nancy has lived a life full of adventure. From working behind the scenes at the legendary Armadillo World Headquarters to running her own businesses, Nancy spent much of her life working hard and raising her two sons.
After experiencing deep loss, Nancy eventually found herself living on the streets of Austin. During her time living under a bridge, she became an advocate for others experiencing homelessness, helping people find food, getting to appointments and looking out for one another.
Everything began to change when Nancy found her way to Community First! Village in 2023. Today, she has found a place to call home and spends her time connecting with neighbors, singing, creating art and bringing joy to those around her.
In this episode, Nancy reminds us that there is always room for joy, purpose and a new beginning—and shares the role her faith has played in her journey home.
Creating Beauty Through Service, with Dita Heilman
On this episode of the Gospel Con Carne podcast, Alan sits down with one of our beloved volunteers, Dita Heilman!
Dita’s story of serving others began long before she found her way to Community First! Village. Born and raised in the Albania/Kosovo region of Europe, she met her husband, Steve, while he was volunteering with a medical nonprofit during the early 1990s. What started with a chance encounter and a shared cup of coffee grew into a life rooted in compassion, hospitality and a calling to serve others.
Today, Dita and Steve faithfully volunteer in the Art House at Community First! Village, where they help create handcrafted ceramic pieces alongside our neighbors living in the Village. Through every conversation, shared project and creative endeavor, Dita reminds us that the most meaningful connections are built when we take the time to simply be present with one another.
In this episode, Dita reflects on the power of kindness across cultures, the unexpected path that led her from Kosovo to Austin, and how volunteering has become a beautiful expression of gratitude for the life she’s been given. Her story is a reminder that serving others doesn’t just their change lives—it has the power to transform our own.
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About the Podcast
Each of us has a story to tell about who we are and how we got to where we are in life, and the element of community, whether you realize it or not, has played a vital part.
You alone have not just pulled yourself up by your bootstraps. Your path in life—your story—has been molded by other individuals along the way.
Hosted by Alan Graham, founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, the ‘Gospel Con Carne’ podcast explores the woundedness of society through the untold stories of individuals who have encountered homelessness. You’ll hear from men and women who lived on the streets for years or even decades, and other guests who, though never homeless, understand the profound impact of family and community on their lives.
Join Alan as he takes you on a gritty journey of Tex-Mex theology while unpacking poignant stories from the streets of life that will leave you with a new understanding of the significance of community and home.
Alan Graham is one of the country’s leading visionaries on issues involving homelessness. He’s also a pretty cool dude. Meet Your Host >
