Giving Back Podcast

We’ve spent the last three years at the Giving Back Podcast highlighting hometown heroes serving every need imaginable. Our guests for the final episode are true servant leaders in every sense, dedicated to building their community and lending a hand up to those in need. Thank you for tuning in, getting inspired, and taking action. The Giving Back Podcast has been a wonderful journey, a real blessing in my life. I look forward to the next chapter of bringing you stories about good people all around us doing amazing things to help others in need and making our world a better place. Key Takeaways: Maggie Kane is the Founder and Executive Director of A Place at the Table, the first pay-what-you-can cafe in downtown Raleigh. Through her work with people on the streets, she realized the power of community, the importance of dignity, and the beauty in bringing people together over incredible food. A Place at the Table was birthed in February 2015 and in January 2018 opened, providing people with money and people wi

Amy Zaslansky is the Founder of The Book Fairies, an organization dedicated to eradicating illiteracy. Since its creation in 2012, The Book Fairies have donated over 1.7 million books to underserved schools and non-profit organizations like homeless shelters and correctional facilities. The illiteracy epidemic perpetuates the cycle of poverty. Find out how Amy and her team are making a difference in these children’s lives.

Rose Morris is the Founder of Abram’s Nation, a manufacturer of products that are designed specifically for the special needs community. Rose is also the Co-Founder of Fund It Forward, a nonprofit that helps families obtain special needs equipment that is not covered by insurance. Rose’s son, Abram, is an active and curious special needs child who would always find a way to get out of his crib. Because of this, Rose had many sleepless nights worrying that Abram would get hurt trying to escape until she created and developed the Safety Sleeper, a product that would help protect him.    Key Takeaways: [2:20] Who is Rose, and why did she start Abram’s Nation?  [3:35] Rose shares why her son, Abram, was struggling with sleep. [10:30] A whole weight came off of Rose’s shoulders when she and her friends were able to develop something that would keep curious Abram safe in bed.  [13:45] Rose is grateful she had neighbors and a community that was familiar with autism and could provide support and resources for her fam

Jaya Manjunath is the Founder of Seniors With Skills, a non-profit organization that aims to improve the overall quality of life for seniors through social engagement. The organization originally started in Toronto, but has since moved to many different states in the US. On this week’s episode, Jaya shares how her organization helps seniors get out of isolation and find a new purpose as they reach a new stage in their life.    Key Takeaways: [3:25] Who is Jaya, and what is Seniors With Skills all about?  [9:15] Why is it important for seniors to get active and volunteer?  [12:30] Why is this cause so important for Jaya? [15:15] When Jaya started working with seniors, what was the initial reaction to that?  [21:20] Jaya explains how she and her team are growing her nonprofit and bringing it to other cities in the U.S.. [23:30] What types of activities can the seniors do? [26:15] Seniors from all over want to volunteer because of the fun activities Seniors With Skills has for them.  [28:00] Jaya shares a story

Michelle Pagtakhan is the Founder & Executive Director of You Run This Town Foundation (YRTTF). YRTTF provides enrichment programs to underserved youth, work-study internships, scholarships, and community partner engagement programs. Michelle is committed to developing the next generation of leaders,and actually first began her work five years prior to formally starting her organization in 2016. Find out more about Michelle and the fantastic work she’s doing in the greater Los Angeles area.    Key Takeaways: [3:15] Who is Michelle and what is YRTTF about?  [7:50] Right after Michelle had her first child, she knew she wanted to do more for her community.  [9:10] What is YRTTF’s mission?  [13:35] Michelle explains the types of workshops and programs the kids can attend. [16:45] How did Michelle first come up with the YRTTF name? [21:15] Michelle has worked with a number of different non-profits and even been an advocate against human trafficking. How did she first get started in all of this?  [25:20] How do

Monisha Bajaj is the Founder of Ruam Chuay, a non-profit organization based in Thailand. Monisha and her team host workshops at local schools to discuss interpersonal violence, sexual consent, and so much more!  On today’s episode, Monisha shares how Ruam Chuay first got started, how their workshops create a dialogue among students, and the differences between U.S. and Thai culture.    Key Takeaways: [4:00] Who is Monisha and how did Ruam Chuay first get started?  [8:55] Monisha compares the differences between the U.S. and Thailand when it comes to the conversation around sexual violence.  [10:25] How does Monisha define interpersonal violence?  [12:00] Monisha shares the types of workshops she hosts for the community. [16:40] It took time for Thai culture to understand the importance of having these open talks about sexual harassment and interpersonal violence.  [19:00] What kind of feedback has Monisha received from male students vs. female students?  [24:20] Monisha wished she had had this type of educati

Chip Conley has disrupted the hospitality industry twice. First, at age 26 when he took an inner city motel and turned it into the second-largest boutique hotel brand in America, and second, when he joined Airbnb as a ‘Modern Elder’. Through his work at Airbnb, he noticed the increasing need to include more age diversity in the workforce. Modern Elders often feel less and less relevant, but there’s a lot of unique and untapped value their life experiences can bring to an organization. Find out more about Chip’s work and how he has incorporated social causes throughout his entire career.     Key Takeaways: [4:20] How did The Phoenix Hotel get started?  [6:25] How did Chip become an ‘accidental intern’ at Airbnb?  [10:45] Chip explains the backstory of how he has always incorporated giving back to local communities with each of his hotels.  [15:20] What is Chip’s latest book, Wisdom at Work, all about? [23:10] Chip believes it is important to have diversity, not just in gender or race, but in age as well. There

David Shultz is a member of the Big Slick Organizers Community and is involved in everything from digital marketing to the weekend karaoke events. He is also involved with Promo Cares, an organization focused on helping distributors find suppliers with a purpose-driven mission.  Mandi Rudd is the sister of one of the Big Slick’s hosts, Paul Rudd, and is a key member of the family of volunteers at Big Slick. She is also the Owner of Brand Energy Marketing, a firm that specializes in marketing strategies and promotional products.   As Big Slick hits its tenth year as a charity event, they’ve raised $8.5 million dollars for the Pediatric Cancer Center at the Kansas City Children’s Mercy Hospital. Find out more about this special weekend event (coming to you this June 7th & 8th)!    Key Takeaways: [4:15] How did Big Slick first get started? [9:45] How did David get involved with Big Slick? [13:50] David and Mandi share why they feel so connected with the Kansas City Children’s Mercy Hospital.  [18:20] What do

Douglas Tsoi is the Founder of School of Financial Freedom and the Founder of Portland Underground Grad School (PUGS). Douglas has a diverse background and achieved financial freedom at the age of 42 after living on $20,000 a year. As a lifelong learner and StartingBloc Fellow, Douglas believes it’s a human right to learn and to do so debt-free! Find out more about his amazing school in Portland!    Key Takeaways: [4:05] How did Rob and Douglas first meet? [6:05] As a StartingBloc Fellow, what was Douglas’s experience like with StartingBloc?  [8:55] What is PUGS all about?  [11:35] PUGS has grown to 75 courses and teaches about 900 students a year.  [17:25] How did Douglas manage to retire at age 42? What does financial freedom mean to him?  [19:35] You expend your life energy for money and vice versa. [27:45] Why did StartingBloc choose Douglas’s project?  [37:25] Douglas shares a bit of his background and how he ended up at StartingBloc. [44:20] Everyone deserves to learn.    Mentioned in This Episode: Givi

Greg Warner is the CEO and Founder of MarketSmart, a marketing software specifically catered to nonprofits seeking to raise more money for their charity. Greg takes a unique approach to how you can engage your donors in a meaningful and impactful way.  After feeling frustrated himself from giving to nonprofits and feeling like just a dollar sign, Greg created this software to help nonprofits really understand the best ways to make a connection.    Key Takeaways: [2:45] Who is Greg and why did he start MarketSmart? [4:20] Greg has seen organizations get as much as 300 to 1 ROI. Greg and his team personally aim for 100 to 1 ROI. [8:20] It’s important to create a collaborative atmosphere so that everyone can prosper.  [15:55] The reason why we’re here is to try and live with purpose and intent. [18:50] Greg explains his process and how he helps nonprofits. [24:35] What’s Greg’s book, Engagement Fundraising, all about? [35:30] You will always need fundraisers/ facilitators to help walk donors through your process

Tanesha Smelser is the Executive Director of The Forrest Initiative, an organization she started when her son, Forrest, was diagnosed with epilepsy. When she first tried CBD for her young child, she was amazed by its impact and became an advocate.   Travis Mckenzie started TJ's Gardens in 2006 because his wife, Cham, was suffering from a very traumatic brain injury. They had exhausted all of their traditional options for healing when their doctor recommended cannabis as a last resort. They were amazed by its healing effects. Dave Villalobos is the owner of SolRevolt and is one of the first marijuana growers to have an emphasis on helping children. His organization helps bridge the gap between philanthropy and sustainability. Dave has a personal story of watching his father go to prison due to him being in the illegal marijuana trade at the time.  Together, these three individuals are seeking to normalize the cannabis industry and promote the health benefits it has for those with medical illnesses and conditio

Cathy Standiford is a retired City Manager and Local Government Consultant, a volunteer mentor for Write Girl, and a 30-year member of Soroptimist International. As a woman of faith, Cathy believes it is her purpose to serve, mentor, and empower young women. On today’s show, Cathy discusses the two organizations that are close to her heart and how it inspires her every day post-retirement!    Key Takeaways: [3:40] Who is Cathy and how did she get started in non-profit work?  [5:25] Cathy has been part of Soroptimist for the last 30 years!  [14:55] What kind of work does Soroptimist do?  [21:00] Cathy explains why Soroptimist keeps her inspired.  [26:55] Cathy shares the story of a homeless student living out of her car.  [30:00] So many young people today have been told ‘no’ and that their dreams simply are not possible.  [33:05] Over the years, how has Cathy’s talents and service to the nonprofit sector evolved? [39:00] How does Cathy effectively manage challenges that come up?  [42:20] Work-life balance is

Emily Wazlak is the Founder of Shine Registry, a platform for female founders to ask for startup help, similar to the way you would on a wedding registry! Emily wanted to create something that would support fellow women in their professional careers just as they are supported in their personal lives. Find out more about Shine Registry and how you can help startup founders from all over get a head start in their business.    Key Takeaways: [3:10] Who is Emily, and what is  Shine Registry all about?  [8:35] What are some of the common things people ask for on Shine Registry?  [10:55] You’re so much more likely to get what you ask for...if you ask for it! The problem is a lot of us just don’t ask.  [14:50] What kind of feedback has Emily heard about people trying to ask for help?  [21:40] Why did Emily decide to focus solely on women entrepreneurs and founders? [27:00] How did Emily get started in non-profit work?  [30:00] Emily shares some memorable ‘asks’ that have happened on the website. [33:45] Emily also h

Boomer Perrault started 1 a Week on an idea to encourage people to do a good and purposeful deed once a week. His organization is very grassroots and only a year old, but he shares his story about how he has grown his following and found sponsors to support his mission. Don’t let rejection stop you from making this world a better place!    Key Takeaways: [3:20] Who is Boomer and how did 1 a Week get started?  [6:10] A year later, over 3,400 posts related to kindness and doing good once a week have been posted on Instagram! [8:45] Boomer shares how he and Derek teamed up to create this.  [11:40] 1 a Week is very grassroots. How did Boomer first get the challenge started on social media with no following?  [13:45] The idea is to do at least one conscious and purposeful deed a week.  [16:35] Who are Boomer’s sponsors?  [20:25] How does Boomer deal with rejection, and what does he do when a sponsor says no? [22:35] Boomer shares his favorite act of kindness thus far!  [29:45]  Now that Boomer is in his second yea

Welcome to the 119th and the final episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and connect. Today we’re talking about our journey with Giving Back Podcast! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming. Key Takeaways: Welcome to the very last Giving Back Insight show :) So when you hear today’s intro, you get kinda amazed, right? The host of Giving Back Podcast changed?!? No, the host is still Rob Lowe. We just get a guest host today and she is amazing Ayn. Ayn is a listener from the day 1 of Giving Back Podcast and she is very well known with Rob’s voice. Now, Today she will take Rob’s interview. Life transitions are usually life-changing events that cause us to re-examine our present sense of being. Some time changes are hard and we have to declutter or reorganize our life. But at the same time, we have a better future ahead, Rob thanks

Kristine Sloan is the CEO at StartingBloc, an institute that believes there’s a better way to develop leadership, and there’s a better way to help people find their passion and meaning in life. Since 2003, their programs have reached over 3000 change leaders in 56 countries! Kristine shares how StartingBloc is building a culture of maturity, self-awareness, and connection among their leaders on today’s episode!    Key Takeaways: [2:25] Who is Kristine and how did StartingBloc get started?  [5:55] How does Kristine keep the community at StartingBloc thriving? [10:55] Kristine shares why self-awareness is so important for their organization.  [14:45] Asking good questions is a great sign of quality leadership. [19:40] Kristine and her team have worked really hard to include a diverse set of people into StartingBloc. [25:35] What are some goals and objectives for StartingBloc? [31:05] Are the organizations that Kristine works with also onboard about the importance of self-awareness?  [38:05] StartingBloc’s goals

Welcome to the 118th episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and connect. Today we’re talking about Ho’oponopono! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming. Key Takeaways: Ho’oponopono is an ancient practice of forgiveness and reconciliation.  Traditionally Ho’oponopono is a ritual performed by the eldest member of the family or a healer of the community to bring harmony back to the relations within the family.  If a person has wronged someone, or there are hurt feelings within the family than this practice is performed to reunite the family, to reconcile the situation, to make right what is out of harmony. Ho’oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian huna, a secret to facilitating forgiveness within; or simply, the art of forgiveness. Four healing phrases are employed in a harmonic mantra to help “make things right” or “correct the errors”. It

This podcast episode is the final show in the series! Maryanne Dersch has shared valuable resources over the last few weeks on how nonprofits like you can start attracting loyal donors! Listen to part one, two, and three before hearing this one! Who is Maryanne? She is a non-profit speaker, author, and coach. She’s starting a revolution within human investment companies so that they are always filled with abundance, joy, and energy.  Let’s get started!   Key Takeaways: [1:25] Who is Maryanne? [2:00] Maryanne gives a brief summary of steps  five and six that they covered in part three.  [3:45] Step 7: Sharing your story.  [5:20] Your website is the foundation for communication. [8:25] What is a story bank? [10:25] Don’t put PDFs on your website! It’s not search-engine friendly. [11:40] How can we share our content on other websites? [16:00] Likes and shares are nice, but your true friends are on your email list. [21:55] What content should you include in an email?  [29:35] Print is back! When should you use it

Welcome to the 117th episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and connect. Today we’re talking about focussing on your tailwinds! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming. Key Takeaways: 033 - 3 Steps to use Gratitude to Bust Your Funky Attitude - Two Disabled Dudes Podcast https://twodisableddudes.com/use-gratitude-bust-funky-attitude/ There's more to life than circumstance Insightful, authentic and humorous conversations about living beyond our circumstances, no matter what those may be. Sean and Kyle are both affected by a rare disease called Friedreich’s ataxia (FA).  FA affects their balance and coordination, significantly limiting their physical abilities.   However, both dudes have completed several long distance bike rides including “The World’s Toughest Bike Race” - Race Across America (RAAM).  Their RAAM journey is the subjec

This podcast is part three of a four-part workshop series with Maryanne Dersch. Maryanne breaks down how you can grab the attention of and attract long-term, loyal donors in this workshop series. Listen to part one and two before hearing this one! Who is Maryanne? She is a non-profit speaker, author, and coach. She’s starting a revolution within human investment companies so that they are always filled with abundance, joy, and energy.  Let’s get started!   Key Takeaways: [1:25] Who is Maryanne? [2:20] Maryanne gives a brief summary of steps three and four that they covered in part two.  [4:30] Step 5: Delivering the message. [6:30] How do you fundraise without fear?  [9:05] It’s going to be okay, no matter what they say.  [10:25] Maryanne shares an exercise you can go through to help put you in the right mindset.  [13:35] Host a Lunch & Learn!  [16:25] What is a strategy session? [19:25] How is a strategy session structured? [25:55] The end goal is to decide how to continue the relationship.  [28:50] How