Episode Details

In Episode 166 of the Agents of Innovation podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace — a nonprofit dedicated to building and delivering beds to children in need. What started with one act of service in a small Idaho town has grown into a nationwide movement, with hundreds of chapters and hundreds of thousands of beds delivered to kids who would otherwise sleep on the floor. Luke shares the powerful story behind the organization, the lessons he’s learned about leadership and purpose, and how anyone — regardless of background — can make a meaningful difference. This conversation dives into: * The hidden reality of child bedlessness in America * How small actions can lead to massive impact * Building a volunteer-driven movement * The importance of purpose beyond financial success * Lessons for nonprofit founders and leaders 👉 Learn more or get involved: https://shpbeds.org Find Luke on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/lukemickelson/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9U6w3VOWnhQ Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 – Intro to the podcast 00:12 – Welcome & guest introduction (Luke Mickelson) 00:30 – What is Sleep in Heavenly Peace? 01:00 – The problem: kids without beds in America 02:06 – “Farm kid from Idaho” mindset 03:32 – Growing up in a small town & community values 05:36 – Early career & lessons in serving others 09:12 – Midlife reflection & search for purpose 12:48 – Discovering child bedlessness 14:08 – First bed-building idea with Boy Scouts 16:11 – Delivering the first bed 17:35 – The moment that sparked the mission 19:07 – Posting online & discovering widespread need 21:03 – Why building beds (not buying) matters 22:19 – The power of the volunteer experience 23:29 – The “Hank story” (volunteer lesson) 27:55 – Building community through service 30:07 – Reinvention, purpose & personal growth 31:40 – Being honest with yourself 33:08 – “Tiny moments” and taking action 34:19 – From 1 bed to 400,000+ beds 35:12 – Growth of Sleep in Heavenly Peace 36:36 – Scale: chapters, impact & statistics 37:49 – Why beds are often a “luxury” 38:28 – Story of Haley (first delivery impact) 39:05 – The physical & emotional toll of no bed 41:37 – How to get involved (website, volunteering, donating) 44:15 – Starting a local chapter