Snack Bags with Spud The Ice Cream Man

·29 min·2 clips

Spud the Ice Cream Man reveals how a Russian satellite gave him his nickname in seventh grade.

The episode features an interview with Spud Wilson, a longtime ice cream truck operator and member of Simple Church in Bossier City, Louisiana. Hosts Blake Lawson and Evan Semenko fill in for Scott Odom. Spud explains that his nickname originated in seventh grade when his uncle called him Sputnik after the Russian satellites, and it stuck. He recounts buying his first ice cream truck impulsively from older ladies, a decision his wife Debbie initially disliked, and how the truck caught fire shortly after. Spud served in the Air Force from 1969 to 1973 to avoid being drafted for Vietnam, working in transportation. He started attending Simple Church around 2008-2009 after a 40-year absence from church, feeling it was a perfect fit. Spud is part of the Do Good team and actively volunteers, including with the snack bag program that provides weekend food for students. He describes how the program started by identifying children in Bossier Parish who lacked food at home, with schools now requesting support. Last semester, they packed about 1800 bags for six schools regularly, plus a few others with church partnerships. Spud also discusses his life group, which he joined without knowing anyone, and how it has led to friendships and projects like bike giveaways and Thanksgiving meals. The episode promotes the upcoming snack bag packing event on August 11th at the new church space, encouraging donations and participation. Spud shares that most Bossier Parish schools now offer free breakfast and lunch, except Benton, Kingston, and Legacy. The hosts highlight the importance of serving the community and invite listeners to join life groups, with a kickoff in late August. Spud reflects on the joy of volunteering, noting that volunteers often get more out of it than the recipients. The episode concludes with light-hearted banter about ice cream trends and a plug for the church's grand opening on September 15th.

As heard by us

Spud Wilson discusses Simple Church's snack bags and the school visits that started the backpack food program.

A twice-yearly effort to pack snack bags at Simple Church's Boardwalk space anchors this conversation with Spud Wilson. He traces the backpack food program to visits with schools and talks with counselors and principals.

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Hear Spud trace Simple Church's snack bags back to conversations with school counselors and principals.

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