In this season finale of The Time Capsule Podcast, we sit down to reflect on where it all began—sharing favorite moments, untold stories, and the milestones that shaped Compass through its first years. Expect heart, humor, a few surprises, and a whole lot of gratitude as we wrap Season One and set the stage for Season Two… which will take us all the way to Compass’ 30th year.
In this episode of Side of Hope, we revisit the early days of a relationship that helped shape Compass in profound ways. Fresh from maternity leave, Sadie recalls the moment she met an attorney who immediately “got us”—someone who understood the heart behind the work and could strengthen what Compass was becoming. That introduction sparked a partnership built not just on legal expertise, but on shared values and a deep understanding of people.
Our guest reflects on his first impressions of Joanna and Sadie: their intuition, compassion, and natural ability to build trust were the rare qualities that set Compass apart. Legal strategy could be taught, he explains, but the relational wisdom required to lead a human-centered organization is a gift—and Compass had it in abundance.
Together, they discuss the early vision for Compass, the challenges of scaling with purpose, and the defining moments that shaped the journey. At its core, this conversation is about recognizing calling, honoring alignment, and valuing the people who make the mission come alive.
A powerful reminder that when leadership is rooted in love and connection, growth becomes a natural outcome.
Step into the family stories that shaped Sadie. Her parents recall childhood adventures, parenting with patience, and the lessons learned from raising a daughter who was always willing to take risks
. They also share their first encounters with disability, the challenges of healthcare, and the resilience that carried them through
.
Why listen? These episodes reveal the generational threads—risk-taking, grit, humor, and faith—that shaped Sadie long before Compass began. It’s heartwarming, real, and deeply human.
Step into the family stories that shaped Sadie. Her parents recall childhood adventures, parenting with patience, and the lessons learned from raising a daughter who was always willing to take risks
. They also share their first encounters with disability, the challenges of healthcare, and the resilience that carried them through
.
Why listen? These episodes reveal the generational threads—risk-taking, grit, humor, and faith—that shaped Sadie long before Compass began. It’s heartwarming, real, and deeply human.
Eric shares an unfiltered look into his journey—from unexpected mentors who stepped in like family, to the lessons he learned about love, marriage, and leadership. These episodes dive into the grit of building a life together with Sadie, the missteps that almost derailed them, and the surprising “failure” that sparked the creation of something bigger than they ever imagined
.
Why listen? If you’ve ever wondered how setbacks can become the birthplace of vision—or how two people can wrestle with mistakes, marriage, and mission while growing a movement—this story will pull you in.
Eric shares an unfiltered look into his journey—from unexpected mentors who stepped in like family, to the lessons he learned about love, marriage, and leadership. These episodes dive into the grit of building a life together with Sadie, the missteps that almost derailed them, and the surprising “failure” that sparked the creation of something bigger than they ever imagined
.
Why listen? If you’ve ever wondered how setbacks can become the birthplace of vision—or how two people can wrestle with mistakes, marriage, and mission while growing a movement—this story will pull you in.
From hilarious scheduling mishaps (like calling staff who’d already been fired) to the relentless grind that forced innovation, these episodes highlight the moments when chaos demanded creativity
. But they don’t stop there—Josh, Michelle, and Jenn open up about their dreams of raising new leaders, carrying Compass culture across borders, and planting seeds of change in places desperate for hope
.
Why listen? It’s both comical and profound—a behind-the-scenes look at the growing pains of leadership and the audacious vision for a future that’s risky, beautiful, and bigger than themselves.
Josh, Michelle & Jenn Pt. 1 & 2
From hilarious scheduling mishaps (like calling staff who’d already been fired) to the relentless grind that forced innovation, these episodes highlight the moments when chaos demanded creativity
. But they don’t stop there—Josh, Michelle, and Jenn open up about their dreams of raising new leaders, carrying Compass culture across borders, and planting seeds of change in places desperate for hope
.
Why listen? It’s both comical and profound—a behind-the-scenes look at the growing pains of leadership and the audacious vision for a future that’s risky, beautiful, and bigger than themselves.
Decades of Care (part 2)
This conversation is equal parts laughter, near-disasters, and heartfelt reflection. From “minor head injuries” to unforgettable client stories, Val, Tinna, and Arron share the trophies and trials of life in the trenches
.
Why listen? It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you laugh, wince, and nod along—reminding you that even in the messiest moments, joy and purpose shine through.
Decades of Care
This conversation is equal parts laughter, near-disasters, and heartfelt reflection. From “minor head injuries” to unforgettable client stories, Val, Tinna, and Aaron share the trophies and trials of life in the trenches
.
Why listen? It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you laugh, wince, and nod along—reminding you that even in the messiest moments, joy and purpose shine through.
That time we started a company
Go back to Compass 1.0 with Joanne, one of the earliest voices shaping its foundation. Eric recalls watching Joanne fall in love with people with disabilities, while he was rediscovering his own calling through laughter, balloons, and small acts of joy that became core memories
.
Why listen? This episode captures the spark of a shared purpose—the messy, human, hilarious beginnings of what would grow into something much larger. It’s nostalgia with heart, and it leaves you waiting for part two of Joanne’s journey.
Sadie – Beginnings Pt. 2
Sadie pulls back the curtain on her early life and shares the role faith has played as her steady light through dark seasons. With raw honesty, she admits she can’t imagine how anyone navigates life without it, and she reflects on the way belief shaped her resilience and hope.
Why listen? This is more than a personal origin story—it’s a reminder of the power of faith to anchor us when everything else feels uncertain.
In this first part of Sadie’s story, she opens up about the role faith has played throughout her life—especially during her darkest seasons. With honesty and vulnerability, Sadie shares how hope, light, and belief have guided her steps through challenges and triumphs alike. Join Eric and Sadie Hess for a heartfelt conversation that reminds us why faith and resilience are at the core of Compass’s journey.
What happens when a college job turns into a lifelong mission? In this premiere episode, Compass founder Sadie Hess and her husband, CEO Eric Hess, crack open the time capsule to share how Compass began—from juggling school, sports, and love, to building a company that now serves hundreds of adults with developmental disabilities. This heartfelt conversation dives into the origins of Compass, the values that have shaped it, and the real stories behind the mission. It’s honest. It’s vulnerable. And it’s just the beginning.