Giving Back Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rob Lowe
The Giving Back podcast celebrates the great work of the charities, both the problem they are solving and the impact they have on the people they serve. Our guests talk about how and why they got involved with a charity or cause. Our listeners' walk away from each show with ideas and resources to make a difference on a cause they feel passionate about.
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 without money a place where they can sit together, share in good conversation, and grow their village together. Where good food meets community, all are welcome at the table.
Danny Rosin is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Brand Fuel a free-spirited, full-service merchandising agency that sits at the top 1% of the $23 billion promotional products industry. A tireless connector, community leader and entrepreneur, he is the active Co-Founder of Band Together, a volunteer-driven nonprofit that uses live music as a platform for social change. Band Together is the Southeast’s largest annual charitable music event and has donated over $9 million to a different cause each year since the twin towers came down on 9/11.
Rob, Maggie, and Danny recall their recent memories of getting together at Raleigh, NC.
How did A Place At The Table build a strong community?
Danny shares a beautiful story of a person who was immediately inspired by the activity of A Place At The Table and become a volunteer and start donating.
What is the magic works behind A Place At The Table build?
How did Band Together get started?
Why did Danny start Band Together?
What led Danny from Band Together to join Maggie from A Place At The Table?
According to Maggie, 99% of people want to help if they are invited and asked for help.
Maggie Kane shares how she wants to see the changes in A Place At The Table in the coming years.
Danny Rosin shares how he wants to see the changes in Band Together in the coming years.
Danny shares his vision to spread the impact of Band together in multiple cities and both Rob and Maggie appreciate him.
Just like brand ambassadors for brands, Rob wants to see community ambassadors for communities.
Danny thinks most people don’t care about the cause rather they care they are working together. Because working together is fun.
Rob talks about reframing of Giving Back Podcast.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Band Together NC
A Place At The Table
The Green Chair Project
Angel Oak Creative
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 family.
[15:35] How did people find out about The Safety Sleeper?
[19:30] Rose hires special needs adults to help her with her business.
[23:25] Rose shares why, and how, she started Fund It Forward.
[27:25] Fund It Forward needs a new Executive Director!
[30:00] Rose shares the process of how Abram’s Nation went international.
[33:00] Rose doesn’t just work with autism. There’s a huge community of people in need and she’s open to learning about it.
[35:55] What kind of feedback has Rose received so far?
[39:10] What advice does Rose have for other social entrepreneurs?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Abram’s Nation
Fund It Forward
Rose Morris on LinkedIn
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 about Barbara and the awesome work she’s doing.
[32:00] If you want to start a volunteer project, just do it! Jaya started doing this work for years before it made sense to create a nonprofit.
[35:35] Jaya talks about some of the seniors she’s worked with and how volunteer work has made a difference in their lives.
[43:00] Becoming a Seniors With Skills volunteer is life-changing!
[46:00] What’s next for Jaya?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Seniors With Skills
Email: Volunteering@SeniorsWithSkills.org
Jaya Manjunath on LinkedIn
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 does the Foundation raise funds?
[29:10] What’s the difference between the Community Engagement program and the Flower Empower program?
[36:25] How many schools is the Flower Empower program in?
[39:00] What kind of feedback has Michelle received so far?
[45:35] Successful people hang out with successful people.
[47:45] What’s next for the Foundation?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
You Run This Town Foundation
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 education when she was in school. Knowing what she knows now, what difference would it have made in her life?
[30:35] What is restorative justice about?
[33:40] How does Monisha measure or track the metrics on her workshops?
[38:15] It’s important to give someone an ‘out’ when you ask them a question that could potentially lead to rejection.
[41:25] What kind of impact has this work had on Monisha?
[43:15] When it comes to sexual expectations, how does the U.S. differ from Thailand?
[49:55] What’s next for Ruam Chuay?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Ruam Chuay
Monisha Bajaj
Monisha Bajaj on LinkedIn
Monisha Bajaj on Instagram
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’s a lot of value the younger and older generations can get from each other if they just mingled.
[28:55] What’s the Modern Elder Academy all about?
[33:55] Modern Elder Academy gives over $1 million a year in scholarships to students.
[39:35] Chip shares his thoughts about Burning Man.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Chip Conley
Modern Elder Academy
Chip Conley on LinkedIn
Wisdom at Work, by Chip Conley
The Phoenix Hotel
Airbnb.com
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 does a typical Big Slick schedule look like?
[23:00] 100% of the proceeds go to the hospital.
[31:15] What is the Promotion Products Association International (PPAI) all about and why is Promo Cares different?
[34:45] The marketing/ promotional industry can get a bad rep.
[38:15] As a distributor, Mandi shares what it’s like working with David and his products and being able to offer new services to her clients.
[40:05] Consumers would switch brands to a company that has some sort of giving back component in it.
[43:25] Tickets for Big Slick are on sale now!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Big Slick
David Shultz on LinkedIn
Mandi Rudd on LinkedIn
Brand Energy Marketing
Promo Cares
Promotion Products Association International (PPAI)
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:
Giving Back Podcast
Giving Back Podcast Episode 310: Developing Purposeful Leadership for Our Community — Kristine Sloan with StartingBloc
School of Financial Freedom
Portland Underground Grad School (PUGS)
Douglas Tsoi on LinkedIn
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.
[42:55] How does a brand new charity work with Greg?
[46:15] Why is donor retention so low?
[52:55] The way you engage your donors sucks! There’s a much better way to do it.
[58:00] Greg himself was a mistreated donor who was fed up about being mistreated, which is why he created his company - to show nonprofits how to do it right!
[1:04:30] For every dollar amount Greg’s staff gives, Greg will match it.
[1:11:25] You have to know what it’s like to personally be a donor at your own charity.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
MarketSmart
Greg Warner on LinkedIn
Engagement Fundraising, by Greg Warner
Fundraising Report Card
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 conditions. Find out more on this week’s episode on how they help children!
Key Takeaways:
[3:15] How did TJ's Gardens first get started?
[10:35] How did SolRevolt get started?
[18:55] Dave shares his thoughts on why he’s reaching out to faith-based leaders.
[23:05] When did The Forrest Initiative get started?
[30:00] What kind of surprising comments did Tanesha get when she started advocating for the use of cannabis for children with medical illnesses?
[33:15] What kind of research is out there about the benefits of cannabis?
[36:25] How do Dave and his team measure the right doses?
[44:15] What types kind of feedback and stories have Tanesha, Travis and Dave gotten so far?
[47:40] What’s next for these three organizations?
[59:45] This plant is not a magic pill that will cure all illnesses, but by combining it with a wellness approach, it has a lot to offer.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
TJ’s Gardens
The Forrest Initiative
SolRevolt
SolRevolt on LinkedIn
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 a myth!
[48:25] Cathy is in a period of her post-retirement life where she’s focused on doing significant and meaningful work.
[50:45] Cathy describes what her connection to God and her faith means to her.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
LiveYourDream.org
Soroptimist
WriteGirl
Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance, by Bob Buford
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 highlights some community initiatives that have been growing.
[43:00] What’s next for Shine Registry?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Shine Registry.com
Emily Wazlak on LinkedIn
The StartingBloc Fellowship
Prototype PGH
Wing on Wo & Co
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 year, what’s next for him?
[32:15] Boomer recently started a mental health podcast as well!
[35:35] What kind of feedback has Boomer received so far from his social media pages?
[41:05] Boomer shares some final thoughts and words of wisdom!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Boomer Perrault on LinkedIn
1a Week
1 a Week on Instagram
1 a Week on Facebook
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 Ayn for guest hosting!.
Why Rob is closing the popular insight series?
What are Ayn’s top 3+ favorite interviews in GBP show?
284: When a Christmas Tree Lights up a Community — Alex Gramling with Christmas Tree Santas
Christmas Tree Santas, a non-profit organization that spreads hope and joy by giving Christmas trees to families in need during the holidays. With slightly over 8 years under his belt, Alex has seen the organization grow from just his local community into 18 cities.
274: Move Mountains with Just One Quarter a Day — Ariel Sterman, Jeff Dobrinsky, and Joe Benun with Good Street
Don’t want to choose between the two charities of the day? You can roll over your quarter and donate 50 cents instead to tomorrow’s charity. If you really, really like a particular charity, you can even give more than 25 cents a day.
150: Transitioning out of the Military Is Incredibly Scary — Joe Musselman with the Honor Foundation
Everybody has fear, Everyone is battling. THF is the first-ever career transition institute for the US Navy SEAL & Special Operation Forces (SOF) communities with campuses across the country. Joe and THF have achieved an incredible amount of success in a short period of time since the organization was founded.
250: Finding Purpose Through Generosity — Blake Canterbury with Purposity
Rob shares his favorite ones too..
014: The Family That Made the Ice Bucket Challenge Go Viral – Nancy Frates
The majority of people in this world are GOOD people. Don’t believe what’s on your TV. As a mother or even as a parent, you really don’t know how you’re going to face something until it hits you.
034: Aligning Our Passion With What We Do – Generosity Feeds with Ron Klabunde
Ron Klabunde and Rob are good friends. Ron showed us Life just works so much better when you work in a field that you’re passionate about.
024: Take a Moment and Listen to Someone Else – #DoSomethingForNothing with Josh Coombes
You can make the world as decent as you want it to be. You do have the power to create change. for nothing. In turn, Josh has inspired people all over the world to give back for absolutely nothing.
055: Clean Clothes and Conversations — Orange Sky Laundry with Nick Marchesi
We take things for granted like having a nice conversation. The homeless often don’t have access to that on a weekly basis. They are regularly ignored by the community. Orange Sky Laundry doesn’t just wash clothes, but they also help connect their homeless friends back into the community.
175: Amazing Young Leaders- part 5 with guest Riley Joy Gantt with Rainbow Pack
Everyone can do something for someone in need. Everyone has the capacity to tell people, There’s no need to be special.
059: What Is Your Gift to The World? — The Petaluma Fabulous Women with Krista Gawronski (Part 1)
The magic happens outside of your comfort zone.
060: What Is Your Gift to The World? Part 2 — The Petaluma Fabulous Women with Krista Gawronski
People have to believe in themselves first before they can fully give back to their community.
037: Helping Breast Cancer Survivors in a Unique Way — P.ink Series with Noel Franus (Part 1 of 3)
There’s a difference between being cured and being healed. Mastectomy tattoos help women heal.
Rob mentioned Courageous Communications workshop, “Attracting Dream Donors”.
Thank you so much, Maryanne Dersch, for you sharing your wisdom with us! A remarkable gift.
308: Courageous Communication Workshop: 7 Steps to Attracting Your Dream Donors — Maryanne Dersch (Part 4)
306: Courageous Communication Workshop: 7 Steps to Attracting Your Dream Donors — Maryanne Dersch (Part 3)
304: Courageous Communication Workshop: 7 Steps to Attracting Your Dream Donors — Maryanne Dersch (Part 2)
302: Courageous Communication Workshop: 7 Steps to Attracting Your Dream Donors — Maryanne Dersch (Part 1)
What was rob’s memorable lessons /take away from this show?
What are the next steps for GivingBackPodcast?
If you want more and more interviews and good news shared feel free to reach Rob at GivingBackPodcast@gmail.com
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
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 for 2022 are autonomy and agency. What do they mean by that?
[40:50] When fellows first start working with StartingBloc, what kind of skills do they learn?
[48:05] There are so many possibilities to choose from to create a meaningful and purposeful life, so how do you just take one step?
[51:40] On Kristine’s LinkedIn, it says, “Plus one for destroying the patriarchy.” Kristine describes what that means to her.
[55:25] What message does Kristine have for her fellows?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
StartingBloc
Kristine Sloan on LinkedIn
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 works to cleanse hurt feelings and relieve suffering from being in an unforgiving or unforgiven state. According to the Babylon online dictionary, Ho’oponopono is used to release problems and blocks that cause imbalance, unease and stress in the self; bring peace and balance through physical, mental and spiritual cleansing that involves repentance and transmutation; and create balance, freedom, love, peace and wisdom within individuals, social entities, the world and the universe.
Ho’oponopono Forgiveness Mantra
I am sorry.
Please forgive me. Thank you.
I love you.
These four forgiveness phrases, both individually and collectively, help heal us and our relationships with others, especially loved ones. Each one melts hearts and heals souls. Going deeper, we can voice this mantra in communing with the divine and see the effect both within and without.
I am sorry for participating in this erroneous memory data.
Please forgive me for not seeing the perfection in this moment, and playing back a universal memory I have received within me that is riddled with wrongs and errors.
Thank you for cleansing me, others, the world and the universe.
I love you. Loving the sweet divine is the greatest power or energy there is in all space. I am now loving everyone involved and affected. I know that my perceptions of them are within me, where this error first occurred and where it can be eradicated.
Like planting a seed in soil that grows into nothing of our making, the divine does the work as we allow it to work through us. As we come to consistently use the Ho’oponopono mantra, we may elect to select a special word as a substitute for the whole mantra to use as a touchstone, so that when we say or think this word, we are immediately clear and clean of all the pain associated with any erroneous memory data presented. Our heart is healed and family or friends will return to relationships with a lighter heart. We do not need to understand how it works, only that it does.
My friend Swami told me an amazing story of a man knowns as Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, who cured every patient in the criminally insane ward of a Hawaii`i State Hospital — without ever seeing a single patient. Now this may seem a little “insane,” but upon having a closer look, the story speaks for itself.
Dr. Len set up an office within the hospital to review his patients’ files. While he looked at these files, he would work on himself, and over four years, the patients all healed. In addition, the staff who had been calling in, eventually loved coming to work. He used the legendary Hawaiian healing and cleansing method Ho’oponopono to accomplish all of this. It is based on healing through loving oneself. Dr. Len repeated the words “I love you” and “I am sorry” over and over again while reviewing each file individually. After a few months, the patients who were shackled were allowed to walk freely, patients were taken off medications, and even the hopeless cases were eventually released back into society.
Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len PhD, a Hawaiian psychologist and shamanic practitioner.
“No one wanted the job I did with the criminally insane. They were averaging about one psychologist a month. But I got asked. We had about 25-30 people. Half of them would be in shackles at the ankles or the wrists because they were dangerous. They could either kick you or slam you. Everyone would walk with their back toward the wall so that they wouldn’t get struck. They had no family visits. No one could leave the building. A year and a half later there was none of that. There were people going out on bus rides. Nobody in shackles. The level of medication dropped. What did I do? I worked on myself. I took 100% responsibility.”
Recently I have gone through with some very distracting situation. Swami made a simple but profound comment, He said “prayers for her” Because he wanted her to heal. Then I thought about “Ho’oponopono” which was relatively a new practice to me and I started taking the 100%. Responsibility.
This is a wonderful practice and I hope you all will engage when you are in distress.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
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?
[37:25] Let’s put everything we learned together and attract those donors of our dreams!
[37:45] Bonus step: Creating a culture that supports an attraction-based brand.
[48:45] Feeling stuck in your plan? Maryanne shares how you can get unstuck.
[52:50] Maryanne does a quick recap of all the steps that were covered in this workshop series!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Maryanne Dersch
FindDonorDollars.com
Courageous Communication, by Maryanne Dersch
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 subject of an award-winning documentary called The Ataxian.
Kyle rode his trike to the top of the highest paved road in North America and Sean ran with the Olympic Torch. Their guests include leaders in the Rare Disease community, Paralympic athletes, notable Psychologists and accomplished public speakers and authors. This podcast is about setting sights beyond the challenges in life and dreaming big, making a plan, and then executing like mad.
To use gratitude to bust your funk, they’ve come up with 3 simple steps.
- Be thankful- Think about it, be aware (acknowledging both the positives and negatives of the state you find yourself in) and reflect on what you are grateful for
- Write. It. Down.
- Take action.
Rose Morris from Abram’s Nation and Fund It Forward
Unique solutions for special families
Abram’s Nation is recognized locally and nationally for our outstanding business practices. We strive for excellence in every aspect of commerce and manufacturing. We are thrilled to have the “stamp of approval” from such distinguished organizations as the US Small Business Administration, The Western Pennsylvania District Export Council and the Pittsburgh Business Times. Founder and President Rose Morris, has also been honored for her strong visionary leadership of the company.
Fund It Forwards’ mission is to ease the burdens of families with children with special needs by raising money for adaptive equipment not covered by health insurance.
She shared something that is really moving. When she talked about the feedbacks of families about Abram’s Nation, they are not only thankful they have very positive feedback about the products.
Koedi Nealy from Graced Ministry
As a 7-year-old, she wanted the homeless she saw to feel loved like she felt loved by her Mom and Dad. She started collecting pennies when he was 7. Now she is 16.
Why Koedi Nealy wanted to help the homeless?
Koedi wanted to feel homeless loves as the way she felt loved by the people around him.
Stephanie Jones, aka the Giving Gal, I’m thinking of you!
https://givinggal.com/books/
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it
BTW, I hope you’re enjoying the Courageous Communications workshop, “Attracting Dream Donors”. Thank you so much Maryanne Dersch for you sharing your wisdom with us!
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Giving Gal
The Ataxian
Two Disabled Dudes Podcast
Abram’s Nation
Fund It Forward
Graced Ministry
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 do you create value for your donors?
[36:20] Step 6: Social media.
[42:00] When creating this plan, you’re not doing this alone.
[43:15] What does a social media plan need to have?
[45:35] An editorial calendar is your commitment to action.
[48:10] The goal isn’t ‘likes’ on your social media page; the goal is to create engagement!
[50:05] How do you create a social media policy?
[56:55] Maryanne shares an example of what it looks like to stand up in a time of crisis or controversy.
[1:00:10] By showing authenticity and vulnerability during a crisis, you gain respect from your donors.
[1:04:30] Maryanne does a quick review of step 5 and step 6.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Maryanne Dersch
Courageous Communication, by Maryanne Dersch
Step 5: Strategy Sessions
Step 5: How to Host a Lunch & Learn
Step 6: Social Media Plan
Abundant.is
Michelle Villalobos - The Superstar Activator
Welcome to the 116th 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 Ikigai (生き甲斐)! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
I had a conversation with a remarkable young lady named Monisha Bajaj who is committed to sparking conversations about healthy relationships in Thailand. We touched on what our guests share, besides the experience of serving their community. Spiritual philosophy, life philosophy, perspective on the world and people in it.
I told Monisha that sometimes I feel like people miss the best part of the show, where guests dive deeper because there’s great knowledge they’re sharing. Finding purpose and meaning by making a difference in people’s lives. We’re wired to connect and engage, and by lifting others we lift ourselves.
In fact, we’ve been wrestling about the meaning of life AND self-actualization since we’ve had the luxury of writing and developing arts and culture. Well before Rumi and Tony Robbins and Pico Della Mirandola. Before the Bible and the Torah and the Koran. Before I knew it, I’m talking with this USC grad halfway around the world about Ikigai.
Ikigai (生き甲斐, pronounced [ikiɡai]) is a Japanese concept that means "a reason for being." The word "ikigai" is usually used to indicate the source of value in one's life or the things that make one's life worthwhile. The word translated to English roughly means "thing that you live for" or "the reason for which you wake up in the morning." Each individual's ikigai is personal to them and specific to their lives, values and beliefs. It reflects the inner self of an individual and expresses that faithfully, while simultaneously creating a mental state in which the individual feels at ease. Activities that allow one to feel ikigai are never forced on an individual; they are often spontaneous, and always undertaken willingly, giving individual satisfaction and a sense of meaning to life.
The Ikigai diagram for today’s cover illustrates where we operate. The four areas of what we love to do, what we’re good at, what we get paid to do, and what the world needs, and the sense of being when 3 out of 4 overlaps, plus Ikigai right in the middle. I think the important thing to remember is that it’s not always easy. We have 24 hours in a day, 1,440 minutes. We have to CHOOSE to live our lives in pursuit of Ikigai, or purpose, or significance, or awesomeness, or whatever you call it, in order to make progress towards that goal.
It won’t always be one life. Monisha works full time and her passion is to create a full-time job preventing sexual violence. Nothing wrong with a job that puts food on the table and filling your life with service to others. It’s where you start, and how you move forward that counts.
John P. Weiss draws cartoons, paints landscapes, and writes about life. He wrote an article in Medium.com called “How to Radically Improve Your Life with just three words” and talks about choices, including the courage to change. One person’s advice that helped put him on the right path for him was “Try things until something comes easily” That falls in line with things you’re good at and things you love, or what I call things in your wheelhouse. The perspective John adds is this: “Do hard things.”
See, it’s not enough to just slide in. There will always be an inherent tension to keep moving forward to even stay in Ikigai, that sense of value. Trying new things, moving out of old things even if they’re working, learning, growing, applying new knowledge, overcoming obstacles. If I have a perspective to add to Ikigai, I would say that it’s not a goal. Ikigai is a pursuit.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
This podcast is part two of a four-part workshop series with Maryanne Dersch. Over the next few weeks, you’ll be hearing Maryanne break down how you can grab the attention and attract long-term, loyal donors. 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?
[2:30] Maryanne gives a brief summary of the first two steps they covered in part one.
[5:35] Step 3: Communication goals.
[9:40] Create a plan and use it as a roadmap. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Plans change!
[11:40] Think big and get creative! Don’t worry about editing it (for now).
[17:00] In order to grow, you have to do things differently!
[18:10] Maryanne breaks down a vision exercise you can do to help see your future self.
[22:50] If you don’t meet this goal, what’s the worst that can happen?
[26:45] Maryanne shares an example of what step 3 looks like when you apply it.
[30:55] Step 4: Messaging.
[36:15] How do you create your own ‘ideal donor’ avatar?
[41:15] Should you have more than one avatar?
[45:20] How do you structure a brand pyramid?
[52:00] What questions should you be asking yourself?
[59:35] Maryanne explains why it’s so, so important to have belief statements in your company.
[1:02:45] Belief statements let you know when you and your organization need to speak up.
[1:10:20] Step 4 is all about understanding who you’re talking to, and developing a system to talk to those people!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Maryanne Dersch
Courageous Communication, by Maryanne Dersch
Step 4: Avatar
Step 4: Belief Statements
Step 4: Messaging Brand Pyramid
Welcome to the 115th 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 Advice versus Insight! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
There is a very thin line between advice and insights. They both are well intentioned and the difference may be that insight is simply sharing where advice is pretty specific because there is a expectation or atleast hope that the person advice is given to will follow that.
I am reading a lot now a days from Medium.
So today I want to share "The Mind-Blowingly Simple And Positive Advice That Changed My Entire Life" By Nicolas Cole that I recently read on his medium blog.
It's a kind of advice from himself to himself.
The Mind-Blowingly Simple And Positive Advice That Changed My Entire Life
By Nicolas Cole on Medium.com
I was sitting in the middle of the forest with nothing but a tent, a small bag of fruits and nuts, a shovel, and a roll of toilet paper.
Each of us was given a space in this forest to spend 3 days by ourselves.
It was the afternoon, and for miles I saw trees and trees. There were no sounds other than the crackling of leaves under my shoes when I would pace my space back and forth. Every once in a while, I would test the silence and let out a scream, wanting to see how long it would echo.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
It carried into the distance for a moment and then faded.
Just like many of my thoughts of home.
I had arrived on this trip with a lot of anger.
I was 19, feeling all the things you feel when you’re 19.
I felt like my parents didn’t understand me. I felt like everything I did was wrong. I felt like no matter how hard I tried, I would never be the person they wanted me to be. I felt lost and didn’t know what I wanted to be in life. I enjoyed music. I enjoyed writing. But other than that, I didn’t enjoy much else. Most days, I just felt stuck.
But that day in the forest wasn’t like most days.
Finally, I had a moment to hear those thoughts — the ones that played the victim’s song. With 3 entire days to myself, that song became clearer and clearer, to the point where the words no longer seemed like my own.
They were just lyrics I’d memorized and repeated to myself, endlessly.
On the 3rd day (“He rose again…jk”) one of the counselors came by my tent. We sat on a small patch of grass.
“How was it?” she asked.
“Unbelievable,” I said, playing with a stick in my hand. I’d never felt so calm.
“Really? Learn anything special about yourself?” she said.
The way she said it, I could tell she was expecting a cliche response.
I started to nod. I hadn’t put my conclusion quite into words yet.
“Nothing in my life is going to change unless I make it so.”
She flickered her eyes, staring, not saying anything.
“And how did you learn that?” she asked.
I looked out at the vastness and the trees. The entire forest hadn’t changed at all in 3 days, and yet I felt like an entirely different person.
“Because all the things I want to change in my life, I keep waiting for other people to change them. But I don’t have control over other people. The only thing I have control over is myself. So, if I want anything to change, I have to be the one to do it.”
She tilted her head a bit and looked at me skeptically.
“Are you saying this just because you think it’s what I want to hear?” she asked. I was on a 30-day canoe trip for troubled teens, after all.
I shook my head, slowly and without defense.
“Nope,” I said softly. “I understand that anything I want in this world, I have to be the one to make it happen.”
I’ve been living by my own advice ever since.
Thanks for reading :)
I shared with this with my son who is under lot of pressure. So I thought I would share because this guy is really young too and same age like him.
So I wanted to make him understand that, whatever he wants is upto him, not that he is alone just to understand that he has very little control over everything and 100% contol over himself.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
The Mind-Blowingly Simple And Positive Advice That Changed My Entire Life
Welcome! This podcast is part one of a four-part workshop series with Maryanne Dersch. Over the next few weeks, you’ll be hearing Maryanne break down what you need to do to get the attention you need to attract long-term, loyal donors. 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:
[1:30] Who is Maryanne?
[2:35] Maryanne provides an overview of the 7 steps.
[4:50] What results can listeners expect by the end of the workshop?
[6:15] Step 1: Create a vision.
[11:20] Why did Maryanne develop Courageous Communication?
[15:00] Do you feel isolated? It’s time to change your mindset.
[16:15] Maryanne shares an example of what Courageous Communication can do for you.
[22:25] Your organization can’t afford not to communicate effectively.
[25:25] Step 2: Communications Assessment.
[28:50] What’s the value of your time in your nonprofit?
[32:00] Grown-up organizations pay for their work.
[37:10] Do your current marketing materials reflect who you are as a brand?
[40:10] What are the benefits of a discovery session?
[44:25] Gather as much feedback as you can from your staff.
[48:40] Host lunch-and-learn events to connect with others!
[51:55] Stay tuned to next week’s episode to find out how to get over your fear of asking.
[55:55] We have worksheets for you! The links are below.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Maryanne Dersch
Courageous Communication, by Maryanne Dersch
Step 2: Communications Assessment
Step 2: Discovery Session
Welcome to the 114th 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 Banter, timing, and serendipity! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
Kominsky Method: Sandy & Norman
Two old curmudgeons and lifelong friends
As a portrait of aging masculinity and friendship, it’s wonderful. The two leads are fantastic apart, reveling in intelligently written parts that give them plenty of laughs to play, in addition to well-earned emotional highs as flawed, believable, fully rounded human beings.
Marvelous Mrs Maisel: Midge & Susie
On the road with an abundance of sharpness. First time watching, saw only 15 minutes and I’m addicted! Susie is the best!
When you are with the right person and you have the right attitude, it results pretty great.
In the course of being snowed in and the road being closed, We had a conversation with our host about Bantering and we had a conversation with lot of funny things.
WinterHaus: Rick & Rob
5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and promote multilingualism. Wikipedia
Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage. All moves to promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance, and dialogue.
This reminds us how to be in the conversation, pay attention, full of meaning and that’s how you banter, you have the contacts, You have meaning and in that meaning, there is a great value.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
John and Angi Busick discovered their first son, Jack, was born with Down syndrome. After volunteering in local special needs groups and fundraising for them, John and Angi realized there was a bigger need than they thought. And so, the Down Syndrome Association North Bay was born. Every year, John and Angi throw a gala to raise funds and support their community. Find out more about John and Angi, why they’re so passionate about this cause, and the positive changes they’ve seen in the community since starting their nonprofit on this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[3:25] How did Down Syndrome Association North Bay (DSANB) first get started?
[6:55] Today, perfection is the expectation in families and our kids.
[8:45] How did John and Angi approach having a second child after Jack?
[12:00] Rob, as a father himself, had an OMG moment when he realized he was going to be a father soon.
[15:00] John wanted to find a way to impact Jack’s life for the better.
[20:15] How did the Local Employer of the Year award get started?
[25:40] What is the purpose of the Voices 4 Down Syndrome gala?
[32:45] John and Angi share why they are such a great team and how they can pull these events off.
[37:30] Angi wants to grow, but doesn’t want to grow too big and lose what makes this event special in the first place - knowing your community and the people who attend it.
[43:00] What has been the feedback from the parents that DSANB has helped?
[44:25] A lot of positive change has happened in the last few years to help kids with Down syndrome become part of the community.
[49:20] It really does take a village!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Down Syndrome Association North Bay (DSANB)
Voices 4 Down Syndrome Gala
Miracle League North Bay
Welcome to the 113th 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 Halftime - moving from success to significance! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
I had two extraordinary conversations this week. Two people, both retired, both doing the most important work of their lives. Two authors, Bob Buford and Marc Freedman, both talk about “Halftime”, or the period after 50 and before decrepit.
Cathy Standiford, who you’ll hear from in an upcoming episode, is retired and a nonstop ball of energy working to empower women and girls with economic opportunity, particularly through education. She is in her 30th year volunteering with Soroptomist, her 2nd year with WriteGirl, and shows no sign of slowing down.
Bill and I started working together on ShelterBox USA’s PR committee.
My comment to Hannah after our conversation was simple: you’ve got a person at Halftime who’s chosen ShelterBox to do his most important work.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Roman is a young six-year-old boy with a dream and a mission to give shelter dogs new homes. On his fourth birthday, he wanted donations for his birthday so he could help a local dog shelter. Since then, it sparked something magical and he and his mom, Jennifer, started Project Freedom Ride, where they take dogs out of kill-shelters in Texas and place them in loving homes. Find out more about Roman and how it all got started on today’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[2:45] How did Roman and Jennifer get started with Project Freedom Ride?
[6:40] Roman saved 31 dogs from a Texas kill-shelter in his first transport.
[8:45] How did Roman and Jennifer get into adopting and fostering dogs?
[12:15] What’s the best part about being a part of Project Freedom Ride?
[16:45] How are people finding out about Project Freedom Ride?
[18:55] Roman shares two stories about two special dogs that got rescued.
[23:25] How does Jennifer manage the logistics of transporting the dogs out of kill-shelters?
[27:45] $1 dollar a month can make a huge impact in Roman’s mission and cause.
[29:24] What’s next for Roman and Project Freedom Ride?
[32:15] Jennifer feels she got so lucky by having Roman. He is a doer and is actively making the world a better place.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Project Freedom Ride on Facebook
Project Freedom Ride on Instagram
Welcome to the 112th 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 The power of quotes! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy --- Rabindranath Tagore
Douglas Tsoi conversation
Attention is the purest form of generosity --- Simone Weil
Cheryl Strayed’s best-selling book-turned Reese Witherspoon-starring movie Wild hit home with millions of people. At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—and she would do it alone.
Now Strayed, who “thinks of quotes as mini-instruction manuals for the soul,” shares some of her favorites in her new book, Brave Enough.
“Quotes, at their core, almost always shout Yes!” she says.
The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention --- Deguet
The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet --- Frederick Buechner
You are the average of the five people spend the most time with --- Jim Rohn
The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why --- Mark Twain
Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear --- George Addair
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take --- Michael Jordan or Wayne Gretzky
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness --- Pastor Steve Stone, Sr
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Achille Massoma is the Co-Founder of Kinshapes, a creative incubator that introduces coding and programming, 2D and 3D illustration, virtual reality, and so much more to children in underserved communities. Kinshapes started nearly two years ago and has had nearly 300 students go through both their introductory and/or cohort workshops. Find out more about Achille and his vision for Kinshapes on today’s show!
Key Takeaways:
[3:00] What is Kinshapes all about?
[6:45] Achille shares what makes Kinshapes so sustainable.
[11:30] How are the workshops at Kinshapes structured?
[18:10] The students develop a product by the end of the 6-8 week cohort workshop.
[19:45] How do the students know when a project is done?
[22:55] Kinshapes has a big interest in teaching children virtual reality. How did that first begin?
[29:35] It’s important to move from being a consumer to being a producer. This way you can acquire skills that will help support you, your family, and your community.
[30:45] What kind of products and services have the students brought to market?
[33:05] How does Kinshapes find its students?
[35:40] Kinshapes plans to launch a virtual reality club. What is the goal of this club?
[40:45] What’s next for Kinshapes?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Kinshapes
Achille Massoma on LinkedIn
Welcome to the 111th 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 the Changes! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
"Changes" by David Bowie was the last song he performed live on stage before his retirement from live performances at the end of 2006. The song ranked number 128 on the Rolling Stone list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and reminds me of how he adapted so brilliantly to the changes around him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMQ0Ryy01yE
We have more artist whether they are the singer, painter or artist in the scientific and mathematical field who are also adapted to changes and taking advantages and always moving forward and always doing something that reflects the best of themselves. There are so many examples, Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci besides on the business side there are Steve Jobs, Bill Gates who are reinventing themselves by charity works.
I’ve seen a lot of changes here in Giving Back Podcast in the past few years. I am recently listening to a solocast of Jason Havey’s Spinning Logic podcast where he was talking about changes and wanted to focus on fun for him.
I am thinking about service as always, how to serve better to people around me and people who I want to reach. There will be some changes to Giving back podcast. It’s a little bit too early to talk about them specifically but I certainly think you are going to enjoy it.
We will have a very cool 4 part series. “Courageous Communication: Seven Steps to Attracting the Donors of Your Dreams”. Maryanne Dersch will be taking us through the workshop series. you can learn how to create the reality for your nonprofit. Maryanne Dersch will teach you to create a brand of attraction to connect with long-term, loyal donors and raise more money.
That will be a great show, I hope you’ll tune in for that.
To get the most out of the series, listen to each one in order because the information builds each time. Maryanne is holding nothing back. She’s sharing 20 plus years of incredible information to help you connect with like-minded donors and raise more money.
I also love to mention that I just had an amazing interview with John and Angie Busick about Down Syndrome Association North Bay.
They support new and expectant parents; expand parent support group activities; sponsor parent training; facilitate skill-building opportunities; provide medical outreach and advocacy information to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
It is amazing to see couples working together with the things they love.
You know I got changes. It’s been almost 3 years.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
dsanb.org
www.maryannedersch.com
jasonhavey.com
inspiring communities to bring dignity and hope to youth in foster care. In the second part of this interview, Rob shares some stories from his new book, A Forever Family. The book is raw, emotional, and, in some parts, difficult to read. Rob represents just one of several common foster cases, and we as a community need to do better for our future children.
Key Takeaways:
[2:20] In his book, A Forever Family, Rob reveals a lot of very hard and difficult childhood experiences.
[5:25] Our system is not designed for the well-being of our children.
[9:15] What’s inside a Comfort Case package?
[14:00] Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with them?” ask, “What happened to them?”
[14:40] Rob shares the origin of his last name.
[19:35] Who is Mr. Rogers?
[23:35] Your life is about the choices you make.
[26:20] Despite being so raw and vulnerable in his book, Rob has no regrets.
[28:10] You can go out there and do good work. You don’t need money to do.
[30:20] We don’t talk enough about foster care. So many people are unaware of what really goes on.
[34:30] Only 54% of foster children graduate from high school. 11% of those apply to college, and only 2% graduate from college.
[38:45] Rob is where he is today because of the people in his life, like his husband, his kids, and his team at Comfort Cases.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Comfort Cases
A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time by Rob Scheer
A bias is a tendency, inclination, or prejudice toward or against something or someone.
Welcome to the 110th 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 the bias towards abundance! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
Bias is disproportionate weight in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses. People display this bias when they gather or remember information selectively, or when they interpret it in a biased way. The effect is stronger for emotionally charged issues and for deeply entrenched beliefs.
A cognitive bias is a systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.[1] Individuals create their own "subjective social reality" from their perception of the input. An individual's construction of social reality, not the objective input, may dictate their behaviour in the social world.[2] Thus, cognitive biases may sometimes lead to perceptual distortion, inaccurate judgment, illogical interpretation, or what is broadly called irrationality.
Needless to say, I look for evidence that proves I’m on the right path about giving back and the cycle of abundance.
Marc Freedman is the President and CEO of Encore.org, which pioneers innovative programs and sparked a growing movement in the United States and beyond to tap the talent and experience of people past midlife as a human resource for solving our most vexing social problems. I’m reading his most recent book, “How to Live Forever” Besides its provocative title, his book got me thinking on a variety of topics.
One was some research on the outcomes of Big Brother/Big Sister. The impact over just a year is startling: a drop of 46% in drug use, absenteeism cut by 52%, and a reduction of 33% in violent behaviors. That’s negative behaviors. On the plus side, academic measures were all up significantly over those who were not paired with a mentor.
Maria Keller with Read Indeed: AZ projects its incarcerated population by 4th grade reading
Marc raised an interesting point about these results that also resonated with me: 90% of mentors who came to hang out, to have fun, to listen, were still meeting 9 months later. Only 30% of mentors who came to “transform lives” were still in the program. The importance of being present, consistently and persistently, are so clear.
Josh Coombes, DoSomethingForNothing
Orange Sky: the most measure of our impact is the number of conversations we facilitate
John Evoy, Men’s Sheds: the most important tool in the shed is the tea kettle
Mentoring also carried unexpected upside for the mentors: a sense of worth, lower use of pain meds, greater independence.
Clearly giving is a two-way street.
Giving as a “Centerpiece” of their lives (vs “Legacy”)
Which led me somehow to a conversation with Pastor Steve Stone on “anonymity”, or giving anonymously, and the concept of “highest love”
So, yeah, I seek the evidence of the cycle of abundance. The concept of receiving more than I give is uplifting, it’s aspirational as well as inspirational. The people we surround ourselves with are the biggest influence on our behavior, attitudes, and results. I choose to create my world of abundance and fill it with all the evidence I need.
In the words of motivational speaker Jim Rohn: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,”
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/485889945148358/
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Rob Scheer is the Founder of Comfort Cases, a nonprofit dedicated towards inspiring communities to bring dignity and hope to youth in foster care. As a foster kid himself, Rob knows the difficult challenges children in the system face. He has recently released a new book, A Forever Family, detailing some of the horrible experiences he had as a child and how life on the other side really does get better! Find out more about Rob in this two-part interview.
Key Takeaways:
[3:00] This is Rob’s second guest appearance on the show!
[4:15] Despite being on Ellen, CNN, and the Today Show, Rob does not have any corporate sponsors.
[6:00] Rob was talking to his 14-year-old daughter and the topic of seeing her birth mom came up.
[11:50] Rob’s kids are growing up fast!!
[19:45] No matter what their background is, people have common good in them.
[21:15] There’s a lot of science behind ‘doing good’ and helping out your fellow man.
[26:40] What can you do to help the foster children in your area?
[27:40] Don’t have money? There are other ways to support a child.
[28:35] Foster kids are ‘bad’ kids. Wrong!
[31:10] No matter how bad of a day you had today, tomorrow is a new day.
[32:45] Please check out Rob’s new book, A Forever Family.
[34:25] What’s Rob’s favorite chapter?
[38:00] What’s wrong with a trash bag? It’s degrading to our children!
[40:35] Stay tuned for Part Two!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Comfort Cases
A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time by Rob Scheer
Welcome to the 109th 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 the burden of expectations! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
Meeting with my brother Tom for our first breakfast of 2019, we talked about re-connecting and how to best move forward.
On the ride home from Lodi after I connected him and Mom on Christmas, she asked me“Did Tom tell you why he left?” He and I have never discussed that. I wanted to sort through my opinions and I thought about the best way I could serve her before I answered. This is what I told her:
Before he left, even before our father died, I thought that he felt:
Expectations and disappointment from himself
Expectations and disappointment expressed by others
Expectations and disappointment of others that he perceives
I sensed he needed to get away from the burden of those expectations and disappointments.
He looked at me and wrapped his arm around me at the counter in a big hug. When I asked him if I was close, he said I’d nailed it.
I told Tom something I shared with a friend recently:
When I let go of a thing, my hands are open to receive
When I let go of expectations, my head & my heart are open to receive
“How can I help?” is a well-meaning question that presumes that the other person needs anything. “How can I serve?” is a better question, IMO. Our job is not to save him. Our job is to love him. That’s all he and each of us really needs and wants. We’re family.
Remember that if any of us is going to offer anyone anything, then it’s fully from the heart when we give without attachment to an outcome. Sharing without expectations to the response. And let go of everything that’s holding you back, because then you’ll be open to all the gifts and opportunities the Universe has to share with YOU.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/482308642173155
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Leslie Juvin-Acker is a speaker, coach, and the author of the new book, The Money Formula. She is part of the Blue Ribbon Gala Committee for Home Start Inc., a nonprofit that provides community services for families in San Diego. On today’s episode, Leslie discusses the idea that we don’t just have financial debt, but we also have emotional debt in our lives (as well as self-limiting beliefs). The moment we can unblock these, then anything is possible!
Key Takeaways:
[3:15] Who is Leslie and what does she do?
[7:25] Leslie’s clients are financially rich, but feel spiritually poor because they’ve neglected themselves.
[10:40] How did it all start for Leslie?
[15:10] Who is typically defined as a ‘Work in Poverty’?
[17:55] What kind of limiting beliefs did Leslie have and how did she break through that?
[20:15] There’s no amount of money in the world that can fix the way you feel.
[23:00] Leslie shares why she is so passionate about Home Start.
[28:10] What does Leslie do for Home Start?
[29:05] Leslie shares a success story about one of the women who went through Home Start.
[31:40] Leslie’s mother was a child prostitute in the Philippines. It was the only way for her to survive.
[38:45] We can have both financial and emotional debt in our lives.
[42:35] Leslie shares what it means to give back, especially to Home Start.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Leslie Inc.
Leslie Juvin-Acker on LinkedIn
Home Start Inc.
Welcome to the 108th 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 Colorful characters and reconciling doing well & doing good! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
The handsome fella on today’s cover is Chris Stafford, a really nice guy AND one of the most successful real estate agents in the entire San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to his own real estate activities, Chris also advises other agents to build their business. A cornerstone of his success is integrity, always working with his clients’ best interests at the forefront. You can check him out at:
https://epiclistingagent.com/about-me/
I have the honor and privilege of working with Chris on the non profit I founded in 2018, Strong Communities. Strong Communities harnesses the power of real estate to strengthen and rebuild communities across America. Our mission is to help nonprofits build their capacity to serve so they can do MORE amazing work in their communities.
To fund Strong Communities and invest in nonprofits we work with, we turn vacant and underperforming real estate into working capital for nonprofits to build a stronger organization. America has a nationwide inventory of vacant, abandoned, underperforming, and unwanted real estate. Strong Communities’ 5-year goal is to transform $10 Billion in real estate towards solving problems in our communities.
This, ladies & gentlemen and is a BHAG --- a big, hairy, audacious goal. And not only is Chris a right person to make this happen, he’s a great FIRST person, to make this happen.
I subscribe to this fun daily service called TUT, “The Universe Talks.” Each day, I get a fun and uplifting quote from Mike Dooley and the TUT team about my place in the world around me. It’s surprising how good I feel about these silly little emails, I do look forward to them like others eagerly anticipate a positive horoscope.
https://www.tut.com/
Anyway, I received one on December 20th that I kept and it went like this:
“The world is filled with many colorful characters, Rob, one or many of whom would be absolutely thrilled to play along in any drama you'd care to create - romantically, socially, financially, comically - any.
You just have to let me do the casting - have to.
Truly thrilled,
The Universe”
Chris is one of those colorful characters. It’s not just his success in real estate, his ability to see the “big picture”, or his desire to make a difference in people’s lives that makes him a perfect fit. Nor is it Chris’ sense of humor, his high energy, or his willingness to take a risk. There’s this aspect of being in alignment between what he does and who he is that makes Chris special.
I really got a sense of that earlier today. Yesterday, we talked about Strong Communities and some of the work we each have to do and I was feeling super jazzed. He texted me this morning to discuss “a philosophical question”
The philosophical question was essentially this:
Rob, this is going to take off and we’re gonna do a lot of real estate business. I know this is going to help a lot of people, but how do we explain ourselves making a lot of money on this work?
Isn’t that beautiful? I mean, behind those dreamy eyes of his lies the soul of human kindness. To even think, let alone be a little troubled by how to reconcile doing good and doing well says a lot about Chris.
It just so happens that after Chris and I talked yesterday, I wrote in my journal about doing well and doing good. I told him about The Universe Talks, and I shared with him the TUT email I got on December 12th:
“The entire world will be a richer place, Rob, once you help millions of people every day and have your beautiful vacation home.
We knew this when we helped you pick your dreams.
So let's get cracking,
The Universe
I explained to him that the reason I picked a beautiful vacation home as a material goal along with my life’s purpose of helping millions of people is that I’m so bleeping cheap, I’d have to have a LOT of money to buy a vacation home. And as long as my wealth comes from being of service to others, I can feel good about it. Literally, the more people we help with Strong Communities, the more money we make. So let’s be proud and transparent about our business model, and know that it fits in perfectly with helping nonprofits develop their own sustainable revenue streams.
I hope 2019 has gotten off to a great start for each of you. If 2019 is still evolving, go out and find one of the colorful characters waiting to join you on your journey of progress and purpose.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/479149775822375/
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
https://www.tut.com/
https://epiclistingagent.com/about-me/
Maryanne Dersch is the Founder of Courageous Communication and has over 30 years of advertising and communication experience. She is also the author of the new book, Courageous Communication! Maryanne helps nonprofits realize their true potential by showing them how to build meaningful relationships with their donors and how to show up in an authentic way. Find out more about Maryanne and the work she does on today’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[3:05] Who is Maryanne and how did she first get involved with nonprofits?
[4:35] What is Courageous Communication all about?
[10:30] Nonprofits often feel very dependent on their donors and they feel like they have to make choices to please these donors instead of doing what’s right for the organization.
[13:35] Your nonprofit is a leader, and so are your volunteers and donors. When you approach it this way, you end up having a more balanced relationship with everyone.
[15:25] It’s important to think in terms of value when you’re working with others in your nonprofit.
[22:25] When you understand someone else’s needs first, you’re able to respond in an honest and authentic way.
[23:55] Maryanne shares two success stories of what ‘Courageous Communication’ looks like.
[32:55] We do not track time as seriously as money, and we should!
[42:40] No one wants to get ‘sold’ on why they should join your organization. There are so many better ways to approach relationships.
[48:00] Building relationships is a long-term approach.
[50:35] It all starts with a conversation! Feel free to reach out to Maryanne!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Maryanne Dersch
Maryanne Dersch on LinkedIn
Courageous Communications, by Maryanne Dersch
Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition
Welcome to the 106th 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 Celebrating Happy New Year! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
Happy, happy New Year! I started 2019 out right with a little bit of ritual and a lot of optimism & gratitude.
I was looking for some sage to smudge, which is burning the sage and waving the smoke over a space or your body. It’s like taking an energetic shower or doing a deep metaphysical cleansing and it felt like a perfect way to start the New Year. Poof! A bundle of sage from Barbara Wittman and Don Morse, my Vision Quest guides, arrived on the 30th.
www.SageSeeker.org
And just as I was thinking of the right tone to ring in 2019, the post office serves up cards from Project 1875. I met Heather Swensen Kimber in LA at a Freedym Mastermind with Ryan Lee and when she shared her project, it just left everyone speechless. She was with her own mother for 1,875 days, and when she reached that milestone for her oldest daughter, she made a commitment to be more expressive to the people she loves. She created these beautiful cards that say “You Are Wonderful” and not only can you hand them out, I found for me that they also sparked a thought of a person dear to me.
www.Project1875.com
#URWonderful
Swami Tirtha, the first call of the year!
“Leave everyone better than you found them.”
Tim Combs, Carol Newton, Bennie Jean Muliere, Danny Rosin, Maggie Kane, DC Goliath, Nancy Erhard
I hope you had a wonderful new years eve and January 1st!
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/477274919343194/
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Bright Smiles
AFIL
Miracle Messages
A Place At the Table Raleigh
Brand Fuel Marketing
Band Together NC
The Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation (JAJF) is an organization led by Jon Albert to help parents diagnosed with late-stage cancer to celebrate and build timeless family memories with their children and spouse. Every family walks away with an incredible experience and a photobook filled with smiles. Find out more about Jon’s non-profit on today’s show!
Key Takeaways:
[3:15] What does Jon do for JAJF?
[5:20] Jon lost his wife, Jill, to cancer 12 years ago.
[6:00] Jill faced three very strong emotions while battling cancer.
[11:25] It was amazing to see the different faces and ages of people who were in chemotherapy with Jill.
[16:20] The real wish families have is not to see famous musicians or actors, but to have more time with their loved ones.
[23:25] Jon believes in transparency, and you can view all of his numbers on his website.
[30:20] It’s about making an impact on one person, one family, at a time.
[37:15] Don’t just write a check. Include your children or grandchildren in the process!
[40:20] What is Share The Wow all about?
[47:35] Every family gets their own personalized photo book.
[48:50] Jon shows Rob their annual reports which are named ‘The Smile Book’.
[50:55] It’s so important to thank the supporters and donors. Jon spends a huge amount of time just saying ‘thank you’.
[53:00] So many just need to slow down and celebrate family while everyone is still healthy.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation (JAJF)
Remember the families: https://jajf.org/families/
Welcome to the 106th 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 Christmas joy! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
Merry Christmas! Those costumed mischief makers on today’s cover are part of the OakLuv crew, bringing Christmas joy to kids and families in the Fruitvale District of my hometown, Oakland, California.
OakLuv Foundation was created by Knucklehead Santa (aka Alex Cox ), Chaz the Elf (aka Alan Smith) and Hot Toddy (aka Todd Marshburn) pretty much on a whim. With an initial intention of "Just having some fun by surprising people with stuff, they might need," the guys stumbled upon the incredible joy of giving. Now in their 10th year, OakLuv stepped up its game in 2018 with a 3 block Posada, a Christmas celebration in Mexico with an Oaktown twist. A block party with slides, snow, and Santa, a Christmas tree lot was a much welcome last-minute addition thanks to Alex Gramling and the Christmas Tree Santas who were featured on our Christmas episode earlier this week (insert link).
The seed for the Christmas Tree Santas was planted in 2010 when founder Alex Gramling gave a tree to a struggling family during the holidays. He was so moved by their joy and gratitude that he decided to help other deserving families meet this seasonal need. With help from enthusiastic friends and supporters, Christmas Tree Santas was launched in 2011.
Their mission is to spread hope and joy by giving Christmas trees to families in need. In their first year, the Santas distributed over 300 free Christmas trees at two locations. Since then, Christmas Tree Santas have given away over 6,500 trees nationwide --- including Oaktown!
Two amazing, all volunteer-driven nonprofits. Two Alex’ who I had the pleasure of connecting in November and joined missions to spread MORE Christmas joy and fun this year. Ho Ho Ho, indeed.
On top of that last minute bit of Christmas magic, I had the chance to make some of my own and seized the opportunity. Me, my bro and my Mom, hanging out at Starbucks in Lodi. Cheers!
Alex Cox, OakLuv Foundation:
www.OakLuv.org
Alex Gramling, Christmas Tree Santas:
https://www.christmastreesantas.org/
Little girl whacking the snot out of a Christmas tree ornament pinata:
https://bit.ly/2PW5Twb
2108 Fruitvale Posada pics:
https://bit.ly/2BDtnRo
Reunion picture:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-wgBsnfRzjrRy01SkN3XzNuUGNvX1czYUs3VWh4ZE9naVFZ
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/473492999721386
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
www.OakLuv.org
https://www.christmastreesantas.org/
Alex Gramling is a marketing executive and the founder of the Christmas Tree Santas, a non-profit organization that spreads hope and joy by giving Christmas trees to families in need during the holidays. With slightly over 8 years under his belt, Alex has seen the organization grow from just his local community into 18 cities. Find out more about how you can join in this holiday season and spread the gift of giving with a Christmas tree!
Key Takeaways:
[2:35] What is Christmas Tree Santas all about?
[4:45] Alex was inspired by a family who needed a tree and that’s what lead to the creation of this charity.
[10:50] Who else is involved with Christmas Tree Santas?
[16:30] Christmas Tree Santas are currently in 18 cities!
[17:20] Alex shares an amazing story about one of his donors from Texas!
[21:20] Moving live Christmas trees is a very challenging thing to do logistically.
[27:30] Volunteers love giving back in this way and will often say that these events are some of their favorite days of the year.
[29:10] Alex sees some of the same families who come back year after year for their tree.
[34:00] How did Alex find and partner with Home Depot?
[41:40] Alex shares some of his favorite stories of families that have received a tree.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Christmas Tree Santas
Healthcare IT Leaders
Alex Gramling on LinkedIn
Crazy Good Turns Podcast Episode: Christmas Tree Santas
Holiday Heroes: Christmas with the Christmas Tree Santas, on AOL
Home Depot
Welcome to the 105th 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 The Company We Keep! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
Jim Rohn, “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with”
Danny Rosin, Brand Fuel
https://www.brandfuel.com/?team=danny-rosin-2
Danny’s favourite quote
“I hopelessly fall in love with a lot of people I meet.
The homeless man playing saxophone tirelessly in 96-degree heat for a few bucks. The checkout lady at Whole Foods who has purple hair, 14 nose rings and smells like 4 days ago who smiles invitingly and asks me to donate $1 to a local cause that seems to really matter to her.
The friendly elder-gentleman who has swept the floors of The Berkeley for 29 years and takes the time to tell me about his upbringing. That his grandma, “Mimo,” taught him about true work ethic. And how he thinks today’s parents just leave their kids in front of smartphones. And that he is inspired to do something about that cultural perversion. When I ask him if I can shake his hand, to thank him for sharing his wisdom, he almost instantaneously replies, “Go.”
Join me on life’s roller-coaster. Through community. Business. Music. I hope we can connect and help each other out in some way.”
Nuci’s Space
https://www.nuci.org/
Our mission is to prevent suicide. With a focus on musicians, Nuçi’s Space advocates for and helps to alleviate the suffering for those living with a brain illness and fights to end the stigma of mental illness.
To accomplish our mission, Nuçi’s Space maintains a health and resource center for musicians as a safe space to seek support and guidance, provides access to affordable, obstacle-free professional care, actively participates in treatment and educates about awareness, prevention and the risk factors of brain illnesses.
Drive-by Truckers
https://www.drivebytruckers.com/
The Company We Keep book
https://thecompanywekeepbook.com/
Band Together on June 1st at the Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh
https://www.bandtogethernc.org/
Band Together is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses live music as a platform for social change. We have been a force of positive change and impact in the Triangle community for 17 years. Following the tragic events on 9/11, our founders decided to be the change they wanted to see in the world. They co-founded what has become, to date, a philanthropic machine in the Triangle.
Maggie Kane, A Place At The Table
https://tableraleigh.org/
A Place at the Table provides community and healthy food for all regardless of means.
Robert Fiveash, President and co-Founder of Brand Fuel. This is what I told Danny when I first looked at what the book was about:
“Yo, WTH? Just took a peek at the book website, Robert is a freak. What a perfect, beautiful expression of love. Fan-fu*cking-tabulous, I cannot wait to read about the band, Homecoming, and the fans.
Tell Robert my favorite song is "Late For Church" Best line:
Reverend Bob is preachin' out thunder
Mom and Dad follow every last word
All this hollerin' makes me wonder
Does a whispered prayer get heard?
Great company, indeed. Thank you, Robert, and the whole Drive-by Truckers family!
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
www.brandfuel.com
www.nuci.org
www.drivebytruckers.com
thecompanywekeepbook.com
www.bandtogethernc.org
Keith McLane is the owner of KLM Auctions, an organization that houses some of the most dynamic benefit charity auctioneers in the industry. Their fundraising auctioneers are certified by the National Auctioneer Association and have extensive experience raising money for important charities all over the nation. Discover how auction charities work and what goes on behind the scenes to get it all done on this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[3:05] Keith explains what he does and how auctions are beneficial to charities.
[8:40] What kind of results has Keith seen at event auctions?
[14:00] The last thing you want is for someone to feel tricked or manipulated that they won something, even if it’s in the name of charity.
[18:00] How are these auction events typically structured?
[19:15] Before hosting an event, it’s very important to determine where the money will be going in the organization.
[20:05] Keith shares a story about one of his favorite events, Women’s Empowerment in Sacramento.
[21:55] Some people have the wrong idea of what an auction is.
[25:35] Keith shares a couple of really memorable stories of how auctions have made an impact.
[36:15] What types of unusual things has Keith auctioned off?
[45:50] Keith has been working on developing software for KLM.
[51:20] It’s important auctioneers are Prepared, Caring, and have Humility (PCH).
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
KLM Auctions
Keith McClane on LinkedIn
Women’s Empowerment
Welcome to the 104th 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 Love Notes! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
There’s a single text from my brother Tom on today’s cover. It says, “Hey BabyBro...The fog has rolled in up here so drive careful on your way up in the morning” He sent that to me the night before I went to have breakfast with him When tule fog rolls in, visibility can be cut to yards and driving is hazardous.
A great pleasure of getting older is observing what people say and do with a little more insight and context. Someone else may not know it, but that’s a love note from him. Noticing something happening, thinking about the possible impact, and sharing that with me to keep me safe.
After being separated for over 20 years, his note carries a deeper meaning for me than if we had always been around each other. As his younger brother, I might feel a little irritated that he thinks he knows best and I wouldn’t see that on my own. Maybe even snap at him, in text or voice. Seeing Tom’s note even a few days later, my heart fills with recognition of what it means and I smile.
Despite best intentions, love notes can lead to hurt feelings and misunderstanding. My wife and I got into a bit of a dustup over a compliment I sent her. I noticed that she didn’t respond after a day and when I mentioned that, she said she didn’t know how to respond. Wow. I was feeling some heartache, and avoiding her for several days made the situation worse.
Needless to say, there’s more there than meets the eye, and we can choose to look at what’s happening openly and address it together, or we can ignore it and most likely something similar will happen again, probably with stronger feelings on both sides. Knowing that now, it’s probably a good idea to talk about the “I appreciate you” cards I wrote her every day for a year. Didn’t hear a peep from her about those, either.
I’ve also taken to including notes with my kids’ lunches and snacks when I get them ready for school. That includes the big one who’s 19. Sometimes I write a quote I find for them, sometimes it’s “Good luck” on a test or an event. I write them for my wife when I make her lunch, too, which is kind of funny now that I think of it. I hope they know these also love notes, no strings attached. That’s the best kind of love, in my opinion.
In the reality that I call my life, I see and receive love notes all the time and it sure feels good. It’s simply a matter of keeping my eyes and my heart open. What’s a love note you’ve received recently?
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Adam Capes is the President and Chief Idea Officer at Getaway2Give, an organization that helps charities raise money while giving their charity auction winners an experience of a lifetime. Adam shares how you can be more effective at raising money, ways to really make a donor feel special, loved, and cared for, and so much more on today’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[3:15] What is Getaway2Give all about?
[7:55] Adam didn’t want to wait until he was in his 70s or 80s to try to make a lot of money.
[12:25] Families can combine their bids to give to charity and then go to an exotic place together because these getaway locations sometimes have 5+ bedrooms to stay in.
[16:45] Adam gives a shout out to the Jack & Jill Foundation.
[23:00] We’re all terminal; we just don't know when yet.
[26:00] What kind of charity auctions and events seem to get the most engagement?
[33:00] If non-profit organizations want to survive and thrive, it’s important to think more like businesses.
[34:50] Adam believes it’s important to have a full-time employee that focuses on wowing and thanking their donors.
[39:55] 410 billion dollars were given to nonprofits last year!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Getaway2Give
Getaway2give.net/giving
Adam Capes on LinkedIn
Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation
Bert’s Big Adventure
Welcome to the 103rd 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 Capacity to serve! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
When I started the Giving Back Podcast, I had no desire to start a nonprofit. Every guest is doing amazing things and I had no desire to replicate their work or compete for funding. Besides, it was too much fun talking to all these cool people to pick a single problem.
Fast forward a couple of years, and I was thinking about how I could do some good. I know that providing a platform for social impact leaders to share their mission is a step in the right direction, and I thought that I wanted to do more. And I wanted to do something that would help the people who give so much and make such a big difference to others and their communities.
Every guest, whether they lead, volunteer or donate, talked about nonprofits need for resources to make their organizations better. Think about it for a second: they bust their asses working to help those in need when no one else will. They get lousy pay or sometimes they don’t get paid at all. And they want to make their organization better so they can do MORE work.
Sounds like there’s a need right there. Since they’re already strapped for cash helping people, I had to find a way to fund all this do-gooding I had in mind, and I found an opportunity. One that matched the size of the scope of need. So I started Strong Communities with the belief that people doing amazing things for their community should have the resources to make their organizations better.
Our Mission: Strong Communities exists to help nonprofits build their capacity to serve.
Problem: nonprofits work on social issues that are critical to the strength of a community but struggle financially.
What we do: we invest in people and organizations doing amazing things for others. We provide them resources to build a stronger organization and develop sustainable funding that powers their mission.
How we do it: we turn vacant and underperforming real estate into working capital to serve communities across America. We work directly with property owners to identify the nonprofits that are solving problems they care most deeply about.
About Us:
The Giving Back Podcast launched on July 4, 2016, shining the spotlight on people and organizations doing amazing things for others. Since then, hundreds of guests have shared stories how giving back has made a difference in people’s lives, including their own. Serving needs ranging from Veterans and Animal Welfare to Domestic Violence and Cancer treatment, each show is a reminder that making an impact starts one person at a time, and that everyone has something to give.
Strong Communities was created to serve these incredibly dedicated servant leaders and their supporters. A recurring theme is that despite incredible results and life-transforming efforts, nonprofits continue to struggle financially. In order to grow, they need new sources of funding that are sustainable and reflect the value they hold to their communities.
To help them grow, Strong Communities connects nonprofits to people and resources to build their human, financial, and organizational strength. All with the goal of increasing their ability to fulfill their mission. In other words, we help them build their capacity to serve.
How to fund such a venture? As the host of the Giving Back Podcast, I connect with social impact leaders, purpose-minded individuals, and companies who seek to serve their communities in ways that last beyond the next fundraiser. As it turns out, America has a nationwide inventory of vacant, abandoned, and underperforming real estate that is ripe to transform into capital directed towards solving problems in our communities.
My friend Ryan Lee is a moderately intelligent guy with a lot of integrity who has a knack for not only creating successful businesses but also helping other people create successful businesses. He once said, “Just imagine who you’d want to hang out with all day --- and build your business around solving their problems.” Well, I know that I love to hang out with people like my guests all day. And I know what their biggest problems are.
Keeping in mind the problem that we are working to solve, I’ve gathered some of the brightest business, real estate and tax people I know to harness the power of real estate to strengthen and rebuild communities across America. Our five-year goal is to transform $10 Billion in real estate into ongoing community service.
So that’s the start! We’d love to have you join us and make a difference for the community you care most about. Check us out at http://strongcommunities.us/ and let us know where you want to be a hero.
Dan Pallotta, TED 2013: “The way we think about charity is dead wrong”
https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_way_we_think_about_charity_is_dead_wrong?language=en
Simon Sinek: Start With Why, the Golden Circle clip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPYeCltXpxw
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
StrongCommunities.us
Kathryn Guylay has spent more than 25 years in business and non-profit management. She founded Nurture more than 10 years ago and it has changed the food dynamics of families all over. This non-profit strives to provide health and wellness solutions as well as healthy eating choices for children and their families so that they avoid a whole host of illnesses (like diabetes). Find out more about Kathryn and her mission on today’s show.
Key Takeaways:
[3:10] Who is Kathryn and why did she start Nurture?
[8:45] A lot of Nurture’s materials are in Spanish to help low-income populations. Does Kathryn speak Spanish?
[11:15] Now that Nurture has been born, what is Nurture meant to do? What’s Nurture’s purpose?
[12:50] When you’re in the middle of creating something amazing, write it down!!!
[14:35] The universe truly provides when you speak out and declare your intentions.
[17:05] However, obstacles will show up in your path from time to time because the universe truly wants to knows if you’re 100% committed.
[19:55] What kind of work does Nurture do?
[21:10] When it comes to food, people can get very defensive. Kathryn wanted to create a no-judgement zone.
[24:55] It’s important to add new habits instead of trying to take away bad habits right off the bat.
[34:10] By getting the whole family involved (not just the kids), you really begin to change a whole community and help them build fantastic, healthy habits.
[37:25] How does Kathryn measure her results?
[39:35] All the families are making more home-cooked meals and 78% of them had much more energy.
[43:40] Not only were the adults learning how to cook, but the kids were learning how to do kid-friendly meals with a babysitter as well.
[48:15] Kathryn shares why her website is an excellent resource to get easy, cheap, and healthy meals.
[52:45] How does Kathryn raise funds for her charity as well as get sponsorships?
[57:30] Kathryn discusses how she gets grant money to help fund her organization.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Nurture
Make Everything Fun
Make Wellness Fun
Kathryn Guylay on LinkedIn
Rev.com
Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success, by Adam Grant
Welcome to the 102nd 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 The Purpose of Life! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
A few days ago I was talking with Winnie Huang, a teammate and friend. She’s a hard worker, very smart, and a delightful personality. She is also a deeply spiritual person of the Christian faith, and when I shared my favorite passage from the bible, Matthew 25:34-40, our conversation veered to what it takes to transform to our best selves.
The central theme of that passage is living a life of service, which I am clearly interested in. For my money, Matthew 25:34-40 is essentially the guiding principle to live a fulfilling life, whether you call our Creator “God”, “Jehovah”, “Allah”, “the Light”, or “the Universe”. The question of transformation came up because for Winnie, although she WANTS to serve freely and joyfully, without thought of recompense or acknowledgement, the mindset of service seems to be in contradiction to our human nature. How do we get there?
We talked about how our bodies respond to doing good for others, the feel-good rush of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. We talked about the virtuous cycle of Abundance versus the prevailing zero-sum, “I win, you lose/You win, I lose” attitude in most countries. We talked about needing a guiding example (in her case, Jesus Christ) or having what we need in our hearts to live a life of service without a divine figure.
What we were talking about is Choice.
Choosing to respond versus react. Choosing a midlife awakening instead of a midlife crisis. Choosing to be around those who lift you up. Choosing purpose and meaning versus distraction. Choosing behaviors that reflect your intentions and moving forward, open to the outcomes.
Yeah, choice is what it takes to transform into the best version of yourself. Pretty cool to walk away from a conversation immensely satisfied, like a long, cool drink of water on a hot summer day. Zat Rana wrote a great article about choice called “The Purpose of Life Is Right In Front of You” and I’m going to read the juicy bits right now.
Carl Sagan asked us to briefly pause for a moment to look at the image on today’s cover:
“Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every “superstar,” every “supreme leader,” every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there–on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.”
The purpose of life is right in front of us: It’s to create a reality we want to inhabit — to reach towards the better end of our conscious experience. At each moment, in every second of life, we are given a choice about how we want to conduct ourselves in this world, and though it might not always seem like it, each of these choices are of consequence. They each interact with culture to give it a new form; a form that we are responsible for creating by either doing what is right or doing what is wrong in that specific moment.
A grandfather telling stories to a young boy may just nudge that boy to one day write his own stories, ones that help ease the burden on all our minds. An especially caring teacher may infect a little girl with an engineering passion that later gives her the vitality to make the breakthrough that permanently changes our relationship to outer space. And of course, both that boy and that girl may just inspire millions of other people, who may inspire many millions more, in a long, unbroken chain of interactions until perhaps, one day, the ideas of war and hate and poverty will be foreign to us — or at least take a different form, one that is, again, a little kinder, a little gentler.”
Let’s create the reality we choose to live in, Winnie.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
The Purpose of Life Is Right In Front of You – Zat Rana – Medium Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/1150638741760805
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Christina Noel wanted to be doing more with her time, with her life, and find true meaning. A friend asked, “What would you do with your life if you didn't have to worry about money?” This is what sparked the creation of Arc Benders, a place to inspire and equip people who are using their unique talents to change the world. Christina is also the co-founder of the NC B Corps, a group of business leaders dedicated to using business as a force for good. Find out how Christina works with other social entrepreneurs on today’s show!
Key Takeaways:
[4:45] How did Arc Benders get started?
[5:55] Seven years ago, Christina had her ‘ah-ha’ moment.
[6:45] You can change the world in so many different ways.
[9:10] Christina was afraid that she would keep putting her dreams on hold.
[10:55] Why did Christina decide to hit the road and interview these amazing social entrepreneurs face-to-face?
[15:05] Christina is halfway through her goal of interviewing 100 people!
[23:30] Real change and important work take time.
[29:25] What kind of stories has made the most impact on Christina so far?
[33:25] What is NC B Corp about?
[42:35] Christina only took this leap 5 months ago!
[43:30] How can we help more B corps succeed?
[46:20] Christina gives a shoutout to some of her favorite organizations.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Arc Benders
Christina Noel on LinkedIn
NC B Corp on Facebook
Unity Digital Agency
MassChallenge
StartingBlock Madison
Protopia
BandTogetherNC
Welcome to the 101st episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights is 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 the impact and importance of Thanks Giving day in our life! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
Happy Thanksgiving!
I love Thanksgiving. It’s my favorite holiday, a day to give thanks, to say thank you, to express gratitude. What an awesome, optimistic idea. How do you get more American than that?
Jon Carroll was a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle who retired a few years ago. While he was not as well known as Herb Caen and his three-dot journalism, I enjoyed infrequently reading Jon’s funny, empathetic, and oftentimes insightful columns. His very best writing was about his granddaughter Lauren, which was primarily about his own self-discovery.
Every year Jon would reprint a slightly updated version of a Thanksgiving column he wrote many years ago. The first time I read it, I felt he captured the spirit of the holiday so well in his own quirky way that I made it part of my own annual celebration. I’ve always wanted to share it with a group of friends so that’s exactly what I’m going to do today.
Before I read Jon’s column, I’m gonna count me some blessings. I say some because I have an absurdly abundant life and I’ve forgotten more awesomeness from the last year alone than most people have in a decade. So I’m gonna give thanks for some big stuff from 2018, especially the people who made it magic.
First off is my awesome family. Ursula, Carson, Tyler and Rachel, you made my heart sing and the sun shine. I am extraordinarily blessed that you are in my life and I love you with everything I have and am. Thank you for being patient with me when I fall short of being the best version of myself, and know that I will always love you, I will always be here for you, and I will always tell you the truth.
Mom, thanks for being a part of our lives. I appreciate everything you do for me and our family. I treasure our time together and I’ll keep doing things that show you how I feel.
Tom, thank you for choosing to come back into my life. I cherish the time we spend together and I look forward to growing old side by side with you. Kevin Adler, Nancy Erhard and Miracle Messages, thank you for giving me back my brother. Bill Verity, thank you for sharing your family story and encouraging me in just the right way to take the extra step that Tom and I needed. Midori, thanks for being your genuine, one of a kind self.
My dear friend Swami said that I had a life defining time around May, just about the time I went to New Mexico and met Sherry Watson. She opened my eyes to the possibilities of working in my natural role as a connector in the non profit space.
The Freedym Mastermind in Los Angeles, led by the all-out 80’s man Ryan Lee was remarkably painful and powerful. 30 people, none of whom I’d met in person before, recognizing my energy and encouraging me to play in a space big enough for the impact. And of course, the lovely Alannah Avelin and Jamie Moran, two very deep souls who are always pushing me to get to my biggest space.
Teresa deGrosBois, Cecilia Thomas and Ricky Goodall, thank you for reframing giving, receiving, and asking. Nicola, Chris and the Podfly crew, thanks for keeping the podcast going. Callum Crowe, thank you for your work on our book in progress, we’ll get there! Krista Gawronski and Lynne Moquete, thank you for your friendship and example.
Looking back at my guests for 2018 and seeing the roll call of amazing people doing incredible things for their community, I’m blown away by their powerful compassion. Think about it: it starts with a feeling that something’s wrong. Then an idea to DO something. Then action to help someone, one person. And after time, with consistent, persistent effort, they’ve made a difference in many lives directly and multiples of that in the ripple effect. I’m honored, and in awe, and I appreciate all of our listeners who’ve chosen to make the Giving Back Podcast part of your life. Mahalo.
To finish off, I’ll go back to the start. Ursula, Carson, Tyler and Rachel, thank you for making my life wonderful. You’re the first thing I think of in the morning, and the last thing in my heart when I go to sleep.
And now, without further ado:
“A Song of Thanks” by Jon Carroll
A while back I wrote a Thanksgiving column that everyone seemed to like, so I’ve reprinted it annually ever since. A few years ago, I wrote another Thanksgiving column, but this ain’t it. This is the original, slightly updated:
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. It is comfortably free of the strident religious and/or militaristic overtones that give the other holidays their soft emanations of uneasiness.
At Christmas, for instance, we are required to deal with the divinity of Christ — I know some of you folks have made up your minds about that one, but not me — and on the Fourth of July we must wrestle with the question of whether all those simulated aerial bombardments represent the most useful form of nationalism available.
At Thanksgiving, all we have to worry about is whether we can wholeheartedly support (A) roasted turkey, (B) friends and (C) gratitude. My opinions on these matters are unambiguous; I am in favor of them all. The Squanto-give-corn stuff has been blessedly eliminated from the iconography, so the thrill of Thanksgiving is undiminished by caveats, codicils or carps. That alone is something to be thankful for.
Thanksgiving provides a formal context in which to consider the instances of kindness that have enlightened our lives, the moments of grace that have gotten us through when all seemed lost. These are fine and sentimental subjects for contemplation.
Let us start this year by remembering the members of the media who travel to distant lands to bring back the story. They cover wars and famines and deadly disease outbreaks, all at considerable risk to themselves. They do what is necessary, not what is popular. They’re almost unknown until one of them gets beheaded. I am grateful for their courage and their commitment to truth.
And I am grateful for the teachers, the men and women who took the time to fire a passion for the abstract, to give us each a visceral sense of the continuity of history and the adventure of the future. Our society seems determined to denigrate its teachers — at its peril, and at ours. This is their day as well.
Even closer. Companions. We all learned about good sex from somebody, and that person deserves a moment. Somebody taught us some hard lesson of life, told us something for our own good, and that willingness to risk conflict for friendship is worth a pause this day. And somebody sat with us through one long night, and listened to our crazy talk and turned it toward sanity; that person has earned this moment too.
And a moment for old friends now estranged, victims of the flux of alliances and changing perceptions. There was something there once, and that something is worth honoring as well.
Our parents, of course, and our children; our grandparents and our grandchildren. We are caught in the dance of life with them and, however tedious that dance can sometimes seem, it is the music of our lives. To deny it is to deny our heritage and our legacy.
And thanks, too, for all the past Thanksgivings, and for all the people we shared them with. Thanks for the time the turkey fell on the floor during the carving process; for the time Uncle Benny was persuaded to sing “Peg o’ My Heart”; for the time two strangers fell in love, and two lovers fell asleep, in front of the fire, even before the pumpkin pie.
And the final bead on the string is for this very Thanksgiving, this particular Thursday, and the people with whom we will be sharing it. Whoever they are and whatever the circumstances that have brought us together, we will today be celebrating with them the gift of life and the persistence of charity in a world that seems bent on ending one and denying the other.
Thanks. A lot.
Thanks, Jon. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/456933774710642
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
The 3 out of 4 Co-Founders of Good Street are on today’s show to explain their message and their vision for a better future. Ariel Sterman, Jeff Dobrinsky, and Joe Benun talk to Rob today about their organization, how you can move mountains with just one quarter a day, and how they make it easy and simple for the ‘broke college kids’ to give back!
Key Takeaways:
[3:25] A quarter a day can go a long way in supporting your charity.
[4:10] Shout out to the fourth Co-Founder, Joe Teplow.
[5:55] Who is Ariel and what does he do for Good Street?
[7:25] Who is Jeff and what does he do for Good Street?
[9:45] Who is Joe and what does he do for Good Street?
[13:25] What are some of Good Street’s goals and how does it all work?
[17:15] How do Jeff and Joe vet their charities?
[22:55] Don’t want to choose between the two charities of the day? You can roll over your quarter and donate 50 cents instead to tomorrow’s charity.
[23:45] Can you give more than 25 cents a day if you really, really like a particular charity?
[28:05] Community is a hugely important aspect of Good Street and the reason why they have such high engagement rates.
[31:25] How did the guys build the team that they have currently?
[35:10] What kind of feedback has the team been getting so far?
[41:15] Good fundraisers are excellent at raising awareness for their cause. Good Street brings not only eyeballs to important charities, but supports them with funding as well.
[45:20] The fact is, we’re wired to give and share.
[49:05] What’s next for Good Street?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Good Street
Knock Knock, Give a Sock
Welcome to the 100th episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights is 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 Miracle Messages in San Francisco – amazing work, amazing people! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.ent. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
To start off, thank you for being with me on Insights. We always have great guests on our Monday shows, people who are doing amazing things for people in their communities. The Giving Back Insights episodes are a way to share what I’m learning along the way in the hope of continuing the conversation about how you and I can make a difference in people’s lives. Sometimes the Insights shows veer toward my own journey of creating a life of purpose and meaning, and I appreciate you hanging with me and the terrific comments I’ve received. Much mahalo to everyone.
The impact of an emergency or terrible circumstances is always felt most deeply when it’s close to home. When it’s personal, it’s our own story. It’s also when we’re most likely to jump in and get busy ourselves, whether it’s donating, volunteering, or participating in some way that will help solve the problem.
On Thursday I joined Kevin Adler and some members of the Miracle Messages crew on a Street Walk through San Francisco’s Tenderloin District. It’s a weekly event to hand out food, engage in conversations, and help people reconnect with their loved ones. That happy fella on today’s cover is Brian, and his t shirt is the slogan of Miracle Messages: Everyone is someone’s somebody.
#StreetWalks @MiracleMessages
The Tenderloin is a rough area; there are lots of homeless people, lots of drug use, and lots of mental health issues. It is also, as Kevin reminded us, one of MANY neighborhoods across the US struggling with homelessness. Over 536,000 people in America went to sleep that night without a shelter. The challenge is to move beyond the number and the stereotypes and to remember that each of our unsheltered neighbors is a mother, father, son, daughter, niece, nephew, uncle and aunt. That’s what makes an issue, a problem, a cause --- important to us personally and keeps us engaged.
All of us came to Street Walk on Thursday to remember that “they” are us. Each of us came in from different backgrounds and for different reasons to serve where those in need are at. Some of us were challenged by the harsh reality of life on the streets, some us challenged in our beliefs. All of us came with the conviction that everyone is someone’s somebody.
Brian and Kevin did a fine job keeping us all safe, helped as much by people on the street who know them and Miracle Messages’ mission as their own presence and direction. We passed out food, engaged in conversations, played some music, and recorded videos for a couple of people who want to reconnect with their loved ones. Imagine being apart from family for 10, 20, even 30 years. Miracle Messages has fostered 150+ reconnections and are going strong with over 80% positive reunions.
Listening to each of the night’s crew talk about their experience at our debrief after our walk, I felt a deep gratitude for what I have in my life. That I have an abundance and can share SOMETHING with someone who needs a hand up is a blessing. I also felt a profound sense of appreciation for each person who came out that night to support Miracle Messages. Each of them came to serve and make a difference in someone’s somebody.
I wanted to connect them to the impact they have so I shared a short text between my brother Tom and me that we exchanged that very night. A simple “Hello” and setting up a breakfast get together. So normal, so absolutely mundane, right? I hadn’t seen Tom in over 20 years until Miracle Messages reconnected us. I missed him terribly, and I cherish every moment we’re together.
Brett, Nim, Brian, Katie
Beverly, Emme, Nancy, Fernanda, Jen
Kelly, Kevin and all the staff, volunteers and supporters of Miracle Messages:
Thank you for giving me my brother back. He’s my somebody.
Special thanks to Salesforce for providing a wonderful venue for Miracle Messages’ first annual Un-gala! Special shout out to Kevin Adler for kicking off the donations by raising his paddle to fully support reuniting a family. Major kudos to Union Square for their new partnership with Miracle Messages to reunite our unsheltered neighbors with their loved ones. HUGE thanks and love to Nancy for putting me and my bro back together. To Kevin, Jessica and all the staff, volunteers, Detectives, Ambassadors and supporters of Miracle Messages, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/453267048410648/
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
http://miraclemessages.org/
Susan Jonas lost her mother, Connie, to pancreatic cancer after battling it for 18 months. At the time, the survival rate was only 6%. It is both Susan and, her best friend, Haven Fletcher’s goal to increase that survival rate to 18% by the year 2020. Find out how these two raise money, bring awareness, and honor Connie’s memory all at the same time on this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[3:35] Pancreatic cancer is the only cancer with a single digit survival rate of only 9% in the past five years.
[5:45] How did Connie’s Crusaders first get started?
[12:30] How did Haven know how, and when, to help Susan through the grief of losing her mom to pancreatic cancer?
[16:45] On PurpleStride, Susan and Haven’s organization has been the number one charity to raise the most money for this cancer two years in a row.
[20:50] How many people attended PurpleStride this year?
[25:20] It is Susan and Haven’s goal to get to an 18% survival rate by 2020.
[25:55] What would Connie think of all of this?
[30:15] Haven talks about one of their biggest donors and how pancreatic cancer has affected this donor’s life.
[35:10] As of now, there is no early detection for pancreatic cancer. They do not have annual pancreatic tests the way you do with breast cancer or prostate cancer.
[40:55] Haven shares her story of how she lost her mom.
[44:50] How have Susan and Haven been able to raise more money with the same amount of people?
[51:45] You don’t have to know everything when starting a charity event, you just have to take one step forward and figure things out as you go.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Connie’s Crusaders Inc.
Connie’s Crusaders on Facebook
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
PurpleStride
Welcome to the 99th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing how to come out from Stuck.. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
A classic cartoon with Winnie the Pooh and here I am in his place --- Stuck!
When someone is stuck himself, no matter how hard his friends try to get him out, he can’t come out. It’s up to him.
For myself and others, there are useful lessons. I have heard this consistently that there is one point to another in a journey there are barriers and obstacles. There are so much to do and so many opportunities, you may feel little overwhelmed.
Jamie Moran: Helped a lot of people to be established and a lot of solid principles getting there, wherever there is.
What to do next?
What are the next logical steps?
What is “Strong Communities” doing to be super strong?
What are the purpose behind “Strong Communities”?
Communities can be geography based or needs based or even the combination of the two.
Who/what actually helps nonprofits getting sustainable revenue model?
Stuck and how to get unstuck! Let’s make this happen.
What are the key things of accountability?
What are the next step for me and Strong Communities?
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/vb.251634948541557/481458872346463/
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Taylor King is the Regional Development Representative for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The hospital was founded by entertainer and actor Danny Thomas and it was built on the motto that no family has to pay for the medical treatment their child is going through. Everything that is provided by St. Jude’s is through donations. Taylor dives into the history of St. Judes, how one man’s vision has impacted the lives of millions, and the important work she oversees at the hospital.
Key Takeaways:
[3:35] What do listeners need to know about St. Jude?
[6:15] Families who use St. Jude’s facilities do not get billed. Everything is provided for through donations.
[7:35] 70% of St. Jude’s income comes from individuals.
[9:45] How did Taylor get involved with St. Jude?
[11:45] What kind of work does Taylor do for the hospital?
[15:00] How does Taylor build connections with individuals as well as other hospitals?
[18:15] What inspires Taylor the most about Danny Thomas, the Founder of St. Jude?
[21:20] Want to give back? You can always give blood to the hospital.
[22:55] Taylor shares a story of what makes St. Jude so amazing.
[27:20] Corporate sponsors of St. Jude are able to see the real impact their donations have made on people and that’s why they keep giving.
[27:35] How has St. Jude impacted Taylor personally?
[30:45] What kind of feedback do the parents give to Taylor and the staff when they see their child being treated there?
[36:00] What’s next for Taylor?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
St Jude Children's Research Hospital
Email Taylor: Taylor.King@St.Jude.org
Taylor King on LinkedIn
Welcome to the 98th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing Catching up with Carol Newton - the three R’s. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
Carol Newton from www.BrightSmiles.org and her husband Lee grace today’s cover, taking a break from a great couples activity, riding their Harleys. A wonderful aspect of Carol’s personality is that she is deeply appreciative of what she has, starting right at home. The work she does helping kids stay healthy is incredibly important to her, a real labor of love that makes a difference to over 3,000 kids every year. And almost every time we chat, Carol talks about her hard-working fella, and how it’s only been possible with Lee’s morale and financial support.
I find her outlook refreshing, and a powerful reminder of the power of one. That one person who believes in you and joins your movement. It’s just as important as remembering to focus on helping one person at a time. Otherwise it’s just too easy to be overwhelmed.
In addition to Lee, Carol has a number of supporters who contribute in their own way to make Bright Smiles work. Seal-A-Smile has been their largest grant donor for the past 8 years. Dr. Rena Christman sees kids who have Badger Care or no dental coverage at all. Steve Olson with Gilberts Dodge of Sand Creek donated a van to keep them on the move. In addition to the tireless efforts of uber volunteers Jean and Leah over the years, Harlie has joined the home team and added her digital expertise.
Foundation:
What do you do? Deliver health to elementary school kids who wouldn’t normally receive it
How do you do it? Provide oral hygiene at schools in Wisconsin to all kids regardless of their ability to pay
What do you need? Sustainable revenue streams to grow her services
Message & Storytelling:
Clear: paint the picture of the battle
Concise: what’s the problem
Compelling: impact on 1 person
Partnerships: think of affiliating with Bright Smiles like a product or service
What’s the value to them? Put yourself in their shoes, what do they need and want, and how do you fit into that picture? Hint: it’s not just about good PR or feeling good.
What’s the program? Sponsorship
Outreach channels
Path to sustainability:
Raise Awareness: of the whole issue AND how you fit
Raise Engagement: engage your crew, all the stakeholders. Get their input and find out where they are most interested in pitching in, including activities in their wheelhouse.
Raise the Roof!: celebrate. Think “FUN”raising instead of FUNDraising
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/vb.251634948541557/975899855927110/
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Jess Ekstrom is the Founder and CEO of Headbands of Hope, a for-profit business with a social purpose. In the 6 years that Jess has been in business, she and her team have donated over 250,000 headbands to kids with cancer, and her headbands have reached every children's hospital in the United States as well as 15 other countries. Find out more about Jess and Headbands of Hope on today’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[3:35] Consumers are really putting pressure on businesses to give back.
[4:10] How did Headbands of Hope get started?
[4:55] Headbands of Hope has donated to every children’s hospital in America and 15 other countries.
[7:20] Headbands of Hope is a for-profit company, but they have social value at their core.
[9:30] Jess was a junior in college when she started this company. She believes being a little naive was a benefit!
[11:10] The Wright Brothers had a printing press before they got into aeroplanes. They had optimism, not experience, on their side.
[12:20] When Jess was getting started, she actually got scammed out of $10,000.
[18:25] Be resilient. The road will be rocky.
[19:15] A meaningful life isn’t always easy.
[22:30] Jess describes the impact working for the Make a Wish Foundation had on her.
[29:30] What kind of feedback has Jess received since starting Headbands of Hope?
[31:50] What kind of partnerships has Jess made with organizations?
[34:45] What’s next for Jess?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Jess Ekstrom
Headbands of Hope
Jess Ekstrom on LinkedIn
Welcome to the 97th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing Catching up with Tim. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
Tim Combs and a few of his hardworking teammates from Americans For Independent Living grace today’s cover. They’re taking a quick break from restoring, renovating and rehabbing a house near Cedar Rapids, Iowa and making it a HOME for a disabled veteran. Tim’s the older fella in a white t-shirt looking awfully young and refreshed considering the amount of blood, sweat, and tears he’s put into AFIL. That’s what living your purpose will do that for you!
www.AFIL.org
One of the great pleasures that has come into my life as a result of being surrounded by people doing amazing things for others is keeping in touch with them after the show. Sometimes that means I can be of service to them, sometimes they’re helping me out. Mostly it’s catching up which I love because there’s always remarkable events, people and resources coming into their lives, and they’re always doing something special to help others. More often than not, there’s insight and nuggets of wisdom that gets shared, and that was the case when Tim and I had a chat recently.
Tim was a guest a while back. He is hell-bent on serving disabled veterans. You might remember his story about meeting with then candidate Donald Trump when he was fundraising for veterans in Iowa. Now let’s put politics aside --- whatever you may feel about President Trump, Tim himself didn’t care where the money came from to help veterans, so long as it went to them. Anyway, I’ll put a link to the show in the notes in case you’re interested.
http://givingbackpodcast.com/256-fulfilling-the-needs-of-our-disabled-veterans-tim-combs-with-americans-for-independent-living/
Back to Tim: he’s a carpenter and contractor with over 30 years experience. Just a few years ago, the problems of disabled veterans captured his heart and he started pouring his time, talent and treasure into helping them out. That’s how AFIL got started. He puts in ramps, rehabs houses, renovates them for accessibility. He’s been reaching out to Veterans groups, the VA, individuals, companies and groups in his area to talk about the problem and AFIL’s work.
Like most of our guests, Tim is always looking for new ways to serve. I spoke to him coming back from a trip to Florida, newly trained on installing, operating and maintaining lift equipment. This is for a major manufacturer in the US and the lifts are for homes and cars, giving the veterans he serves a new set of accessibility solutions.
It’s also a new opportunity for Tim, a chance to serve the accessibility needs of Iowans. With his certification and training in universal access design, construction, and the role of dealer-installer of this equipment, he is specialist in a big niche. With the resources and support of the manufacturer, THIS could become his principal business with contracting a means for fulfilling his purpose. Wow, what a fantastic development, and it couldn’t happen to a better person.
Putting others first created this opportunity for Tim. He traveled to Florida to develop what he saw as a need for his AFIL clients, not for business. And he moved fast. When I asked if he could’ve imagined this happening a year ago, he said it never even crossed his mind until a few months ago.
We are both constantly amazed by the cycle of abundance we find ourselves in. The people, the places, the events, the work. It all adds up to connections well beyond where we were years, even just months ago. Wildly mind-blowing and grounded in love. Rock on!
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/vb.251634948541557/2475705865803584
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
www.AFIL.org
Welcome to the 96th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing Facebook Community Leadership Program. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
A few months ago, my friend and great coach Kate Schell sent me an application for the Facebook Community Leadership Program. Awarding $50,000 for Fellows and $1 Million for Residents, the Facebook Community Leadership Program (FCLP) addresses the needs identified by community leaders. This global initiative gives over 100 participants from around the world the support, tools, funding and the belief in themselves that they need to best lead their communities.
With the help of my friend Jamie Moran, we brainstormed over dim sum and put together my application.
Here are the Fellows and Residents:
https://communities.fb.com/program-participants/
Representing 46 countries from around the world, each participant of the 2018 Facebook Community Leadership Program is an aspiring leader building meaningful communities and connections, both online and offline. As part of the program, these leaders will receive training, support and funding to advance further positive social impact.
This is an AMAZING group of people doing truly incredible work throughout our world. Each them and so many more people deserve support.
Javonté Francis Youth Fellow with BEYOND DIFFERENCES. Inclusion starting at middle school
A previous guest on the show, Laura Talmus, https://www.beyonddifferences.org/
Ryan Lee, Freedym: Turn your ideas & passion into dependable, monthly income
Ron Klabunde, Generosity Feeds: Fighting Hunger Together: Uniting Communities, Creating Healthy Meals, Ending Child Hunger
Mark Jala, Happy Marriage Coaching: Identify The Real Issues Secretly Hurting Your Marriage
Heidi Ham, Spectrum Fusion: making the world a better place for individuals on the autism spectrum
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/289586468542284/
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
CJ McClanahan is a Business Keynote Speaker and Sales and Leadership Coach with more than 25 years of executive leadership experience. He helps organizations achieve their financial goals as well as connect them with a bigger purpose - giving back. Find out more about CJ and his mission to serve others and support amazing charities along the way on this week’s show!
Key Takeaways:
[3:05] What is the Two Rule Foundation about?
[5:35] No matter the amount of money CJ’s coaching clients made or goals they had achieved, they still found themselves unhappy and unsatisfied.
[7:15] What is our purpose in life? It’s always to give back!
[9:45] How is it possible that humans were able to survive all these years? It’s because we banded and worked together in tribes.
[14:10] Let’s be clear, we’re all a little bit selfish, but giving back to make yourself (and others) happy, that’s the good kind of selfish.
[16:00] On the fence about giving back? Try it yourself and see how it goes.
[16:40] How does CJ help high-achievers become more ‘selfish’?
[21:30] 89% of consumers will switch to an alternative brand if they’re doing something good.
[28:10] CJ talks about a local Indianapolis charity that’s close to his heart.
[28:45] Imagine what would happen if all children, in all communities, had a level playing field.
[29:15] CJ participated in a Make-A-Wish and it charged his life forever.
[35:35] Who wants to live in an ‘either/or’ life? We’ve convinced ourselves that this is okay, but it can change.
[36:05] Did you know that Big Brothers/ Big Sisters has thousands of kids on their waiting list?
[40:10] CJ’s organization doesn’t tell people where to give their money. He wants people to give their money directly to the organization they support.
[40:45] Two Rule Foundation has a pledge coming up as well as other events.
[44:25] Please sign up for Two Rule’s newsletter for more information!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Two Rule Foundation
CJ McClanahan
CJ McClanahan on LinkedIn
Shepherd Community Center
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America on Wikipedia
College Mentors for Kids
Welcome to the 95th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing Acts of Courage. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
Dr. Brene Brown’s TedxHouston Talk “The Power of Vulnerability” has been viewed over 36 million times. She talks about connection and struggles and discovering what people who have a strong sense of worthiness have in common. What she found is that people who have a strong sense of love and belonging, who believe they’re worthy of love and belonging, embrace their vulnerability. They have the courage to do something when there are no guarantees.
Dr. Brene Brown’s TedxHouston Talk “The Power of Vulnerability”
https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability?language=en
Reflecting his own fears, failures, and missed opportunities. Helping him with a scholarship application for his grandson, I reminded him that this was not a formula or a box-checking exercise; they wanted to know what he felt about his grandson. He took a leap of faith and got real.
He did something really special for his grandson, and it took a lot of courage. He did it for his grandson, where he would not do it for himself. Sometimes, we will do more for others than we will do for ourselves.
Father G and his work with gang members in LA’s Boyle Heights. Our deepest, most profound need as humans is to know that we are capable of loving others and that we are worthy of being loved.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/440972516306768/
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Joey Powell is the Executive Director at Me Fine Foundation, a foundation that provides assistance and resources to families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. Seeing firsthand how much an unexpected illness can take an entire family by surprise, Joey is incredibly passionate to be serving his community and providing families with peace of mind while parents care for their children. Find out more about Joey and the work he does today!
Key Takeaways:
[4:45] How does the Me Fine Foundation help children?
[7:50] There are a lot of ‘little’ pieces that happen when you’re dealing with a sick family member that you don’t think about until you’re in the throes of it all.
[8:35] Money gets tight when a parent has to give up a job to care for their child.
[11:35] Me Fine also helps parents pay for funerals. Often times, parents simply can’t afford it after they’ve spent so much treating their child.
[12:50] How did the Me Fine Foundation get started?
[20:35] How did Joey get started in Me Fine?
[27:55] When Joey joined Me Fine, what kind of vision did he have for the foundation?
[38:15] Joey is most proud of his team and the things they do for the organization.
[43:20] By being proactive instead of reactive with their resources, Joey and his team were able to double their output and help 150 families in one year, just by improving their processes.
[45:40] What has working with the Me Fine Foundation done for Joey?
[50:55] All of the problems in our community can be solved by people in the community!
[52:35] What’s next for Me Fine?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Mefinefoundation.org
Joey Powell on LinkedIn
Welcome to the 94th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing A Glimpse Of My Future. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
Hello, it’s great to be back! I hope you enjoyed Tony and Jia’s talks, I found their stories to be touching and insightful and hope you found something both useful and joyful in their presentations. A picture of my beautiful wife in Saint Maarten is on the cover of today’s show. We had a wonderful vacation in the Southern Caribbean and I found that the time in a different environment was helpful for me to see things from a different perspective.
Opening up or seeing things with fresh eyes are probably better descriptions. For one, seeing the difference between lifestyles from the US to the islands. Wow. It’s not just about material abundance or lack of resources, it’s also about accepting a lifestyle dramatically different from my own as being absolutely normal.
A second eye-opening situation is to see the effects of Hurricane Maria. Flying into San Juan, Puerto Rico, we went over miles of shanty towns. September 18th was the 1 year anniversary and we were on the island of Dominica. Beautiful, resilient people; bent but unbroken, proud of their islands and ready to reclaim a bright future.
A third piece of wonder comes back to the people I met. I’m a traveler and an obvious tourist. I wander where the winds of my interest or recommendations take me, and I often encountered all eyes in a room on me, sometimes unsmiling. It was intimidating on more than one occasion and I found that when I stopped focusing on the uncertainty in my head and focused on speaking a single point of truth that I believed we shared, it made a huge difference. What I said that worked in EVERY situation was simple: You have a beautiful island.
Mostly, this trip was about reconnecting. After all, this will be our lives as empty nesters. Conversation, laughter, awkward pauses and all --- what a great time with a wonderful partner she is. Learning to embrace her plans, however different from mine, and get so much joy in sharing a totally different experience than I would have chosen.
In the end, just as the saying goes, travel changes us. I think travel allows us, in the best of circumstances, to stop thinking about ourselves and focus on the world and people around us. To count our blessings and enjoy the presence of our companions as well as revel in the joy of discovery.
Reframing
Ursula: how can I better listen to her?
Carson, Tyler and Rachel: how I can best support each of them?
Mom: treasure our time together in ways that are meaningful to her
Tom: remember that my role is to love him, not save him
Guest insight coming up:
George Madiou, Business 4 Vets
Bob Burg, “The Go-Giver”
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/410161902852277/
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Tamara Hunter met her lifelong friend, Martha, in a chemo room when they were both undergoing treatments for cancer. That experience changed Tamara, because she had a buddy to laugh with, carpool with, and cry with during her tough moments. However, Tamara found out that many patients go through chemo alone and without a support system, which is why she and Martha created Chemo Buddies 4Life as way to help cancer patients through tough challenges...together!
Key Takeaways:
[3:45] How did Chemo Buddies 4Life get started?
[6:45] How did Tamara meet her chemo buddy, Martha?
[12:00] Think of how many people we know who have heard the words, “You have cancer.”
[14:20] So many people keep cancer a secret. So many people isolate themselves, and it hinders their healing process.
[16:10] Tamara shares how Chemo Buddies 4Life helps people.
[20:25] Tamara is also supporting parents who have children with cancer.
[21:05] How does Chemo Buddies 4Life work? How can people get connected to each other?
[26:55] What kind of feedback has Tamara received so far?
[29:15] Tamara shares some of the things her volunteers are doing at hospitals.
[34:25] Do you know of a brick and mortar business or nonprofit catering to cancer patients? Please contact Tamara!!!
[34:50] Tamara and her team have chocolate days to help cancer patients through the sadness.
[37:25] Due to Tamara’s side effects, she wasn’t able to go out of her room and she was left in isolation.
[39:55] How does Tamara get her messaged shared within communities?
[42:05] What advice does Tamara have for those who have been affected by cancer?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Chemo Buddies 4Life
Chemo Buddies 4Life on Facebook
Welcome to the 93rd episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing What I learned from 100 days of rejection. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
Week two of my vacation! I’m looking forward to seeing everyone soon, this is the second episode that I’ve lined up good stories told by the people who’ve lived them. Today is a Tedx Talk, Jia Jiang: What I learned from 100 days of rejection
Jia’s journey to conquer fear
https://www.ted.com/talks/jia_jiang_what_i_learned_from_100_days_of_rejection?language=en
Over 6.1 million views
Starts out with an AWFUL childhood memory. An important lesson: Stop running away! Not like a little kid anymore
Olympic rings: 5.7 million views!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ax2CsVbrX0
Magic word: why?
Planting a flower in Connie’s backyard
Mentioning a doubt “Is that weird?”
Starbucks greeter.
Asking. Yes!
Came prepared to teach.
“in my research, I found that people who really change the world, who change the way we live and the way we think, are the people who were met with initial and often violent rejections. People like Martin Luther King, Jr., like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, or even Jesus Christ. These people did not let rejection define them. They let their own reaction after rejection define themselves. And they embraced rejection.
When you get rejected in life, when you are facing the next obstacle or next failure, consider the possibilities. Don't run. If you just embrace them, they might become your gifts as well.”
Jia’s rejection therapy site
https://www.rejectiontherapy.com/100-days-of-rejection-therapy/
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Vivien Hoexter is the Principal for H2Growth Strategies LLC and the author of Big Impact: Insights & Stories from America's Non-Profit Leaders. On today’s show, Vivien shares inspirational stories about nonprofits, what makes an amazing non-profit leader successful in their mission, and the steps it takes to really bring change and impact into an underserved sector in the community.
Key Takeaways:
[4:40] Vivien interviewed 47 non-profit leaders for her book and shares the 7 principles she discovered.
[6:30] Emotional intelligence and self-awareness are among the most important characteristics of a really successful leader.
[8:45] These non-profit leaders have mentors throughout their professional and personal lives.
[10:45] How do leaders find talented people to join their organization?
[15:30] Everyone wants to be able to work for and contribute to something of purpose and meaning.
[17:25] Vivien shares an example of CEO Richard Shadyac and how he built meaning and engagement for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
[21:10] Successful nonprofits were really clear about their goals and they only had one or two.
[25:25] You have to come at the problem from many different angles. It’s often not just enough to be an advocate or to litigate. In many cases, you have to change social norms.
[34:00] It takes time to make sustainable change.
[36:10] How do successful nonprofits manage their partnerships?
[41:20] Disruption in the non-profit sector is actually not a very good thing. Vivien explains why.
[45:20] What is the most important thing Vivien tells millennials who want to join a nonprofit?
[51:00] If we really want to create an effect, nonprofits have to partner with businesses and government.
[55:25] Professional development for non-profit staff is critical, yet it doesn’t happen enough.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
H2Growth Strategies
Vivien Hoexter on LinkedIn
Big Impact, by Vivien Hoexter and Linda C. Hartley
Leon Botstein
Tara Perry
Shael Polakow-Suransky
Richard C. Shadyac Jr.
Billy Shore
Evan Wolfson
Welcome to the 92nd episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing The Secret of Living is Giving. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
Going on vacation and I’m planning on bringing back presents for everyone! In the meantime, I thought you’d like to hear a couple of good stories told by the people who’ve lived them. First up: a short one from Tony Robbins.
Big Tony remembers the exact day he became wealthy. If you look close, you can see the tears in his eyes. It’s kind of a big deal to him, and there’s a powerful lesson for all of us. There’s something about Tony’s presence when he tells his own stories that I find compelling. ‘Nuff said, enjoy!
Tony Robbins: The Secret of Living is Giving
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h6cII9uA-I
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Tim Combs is the Executive Director and Founder of Americans for Independent Living (AFIL). Although not a veteran himself, Tim is dedicated to providing comfortable housing for our disabled veterans and for those who are at risk of being homeless. Founded in 2015, AFIL has seen a ton of success and growth within the community as Tim continues to be an advocate for better healthcare services for those who have served our country.
Key Takeaways:
[3:00] What is Americans for Independent Living all about?
[6:45] When we have services from the VA (Veteran Affairs), why are non-profits like Tim’s so important?
[9:30] What types of services does Tim provide for the veterans that use his services?
[12:40] Families often get frustrated with the process of modifying their home because it’s not always clear cut what someone with disabilities might need.
[13:35] What happens when the VA approves the services for a veteran after Tim has already modified their home?
[15:40] Tim has had a difficult time working with the VA, and discusses some of the challenges he’s had in the past.
[22:25] Despite trying to do good by the people who have served this country, Tim himself is not a veteran and it has caused some tension in the past.
[30:35] How many veterans have Tim and his team helped so far?
[35:40] Tim explains why he does what he does.
[37:15] Tim shares his 5 to 10 year vision for AFIL.
[42:10] The AFIL now provides housing for homeless veterans in the area.
[47:45] Tim highlights some of the donors that have helped make AFIL possible.
[52:45] Through Tim’s charity work, he was invited to one of Donald Trump’s rallies to help support the troops, as well as meet Donald Trump in person.
[59:35] Donald Trump donated $100,000 to get AFIL off the ground, and this caused a lot of controversy.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Americans for Independent Living
Welcome to the 91st episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing Strong Communities. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
Received my 501(c)(3) approval from the IRS!
Mission: strengthen communities by promoting mental, physical, and financial well-being.
A coalition of nonprofits working in collaboration instead of competition to improve the lives of people in their communities
Funding:
- Grants: a comprehensive approach to problem-solving complex social problems using the services of each organization
Example, Veterans: housing, PTSD, VA benefits, workforce training, job placement, social isolation, relationship building, chronic pain.
- Harnessing the power of real estate to strengthen and rebuild communities across America
- FUN-raising
Focus on building organizations’ capacity to serve their communities
---emphasis on sustainability
Raise awareness, Increase engagement, Build sustainable models
Special thanks to Alannah Avelin, Jamie Moran, Ryan Lee, Kate Schell, Henry Serrano, Chris Stafford, Art & Ursula Medina, Tim Combs
Special insight from Kathryn Kemp Guylay of Nurture and Adam Capes from Getaway2Give
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/430782320659121
Note: A 501(c)(3) organization is a corporation, trust, unincorporated association, or other type of organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code. It is one of the 29 types of 501(c) nonprofit organizations in the US.
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Bennie Jean Muliere and special guest Melanie share their story of why Service Dogs of New Mexico is so important to their community. There are so many veterans and special needs children who need service dogs, but can not afford it, and yet, there are so many unwanted dogs sitting in the pound. Why not combine both? Bennie explains her matching process and why she felt compelled to do something about it.
Key Takeaways:
[3:40] So many veterans are suffering alone with their PTSD.
[5:05] Service animals can make such a big difference and fill your heart with so much love.
[9:15] Service Dogs of New Mexico is not just for veterans. They help children as well.
[10:25] A dog, a little four-legged animal, can literally change someone’s life.
[10:40] Bennie shares her story and how she discovered this new path.
[15:10] So many people, including Bennie, have survivor's guilt.
[18:10] By having a dog that’s catered to their disabilities, so many people are able to become independent and leave their house without feeling like a burden to others.
[22:20] Bennie shares her future plans for the non-profit.
[28:15] Bennie gets calls from people all over New Mexico. She never imagined her non-profit would take off the way it did.
[31:25] How did Melanie get started in all of this and what is her role at Service Dogs of New Mexico?
[36:25] Bennie does house visits to make sure the dog will also be held in a safe place. There are a lot of other places that don’t do that.
[41:45] Over 5,500 dogs are euthanized...a day!!! There are so many dogs we end up killing, and there’s such a great need for them.
[47:05] Service Dogs of New Mexico has been around less than two years and has made so much progress in its community.
[47:45] What’s the next phase for Service Dogs of New Mexico?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Service Dogs of New Mexico
Service Dogs of New Mexico on Facebook
Welcome to the 90th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing my wonderful family bond. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
Father and sons: the biggest, most important thing our father did for me was to love me unconditionally, without reservation, not based on what others or even he himself thought would be best for me. As I re-enter Tom’s world, I want to share our father’s example with him. To love him and encourage him and let him know that no matter what he chooses to do, I’m here for him.
For all of our faults and shortcomings, it was always our natural inclination to want to help people. Me, Tom and Dad, each of us are givers. And as givers, sometimes we think that we need to DO SOMETHING in order to help. My mission is to remember that I am not here to save Tom. It’s my job to love him. I told him that everything is going to be great, and I mean it. All I need to do is pour my love and kindness into him and let the magic happen.
Ursula, my wonderful wife.
Carson, Tyler and Rachel: wow. I mean seriously, you are great kids.
Bill Midori: thanks for reminding me to keep the focus is on me and him.
Michelle and George and Kristi: thank you for giving my Big Brother someone to love, and for loving him back. I am grateful that you have been there for him and he has family.
Josh Coombes from #DoSomethingForNothing, thank you for being one of the first guests to share this lesson with me about giving back: sometimes the most important thing we can give is our full and undivided presence.
“Paying attention is the most basic and profound expression of love.” - Tara Brach
“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” - Simone Weil
Nancy and Kevin and the Miracle Messages team: thank you. What a precious gift you have given me and Tom and our family. I have surprise for y’all coming soon.
Miracle Messages has a simple and powerful mission: Help your neighbors experiencing homelessness reunite with their families and friends. Kevin Adler and Nancy Erhard from Miracle Messages were guests and shared some powerful stories of impact on the show earlier this year: Giving Back Podcast: Miracle Messages
I remember reading a book that said maybe the whole world had come together to help this one person. Why not? If that sounds fantastical or egotistical, I’ll ask you to consider this:
If the reason I was born and everything I’ve done including the Giving Back Podcast were to serve my brother in his time of need, I’m happy to accept my role.
Thank you for sharing this part of my life.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/vb.251634948541557/1887385248022847
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Miracle Messages
Giving Back Podcast: Miracle Messages
Buddy Teaster, the CEO of Soles4Souls and the author of Shoestrings, is back for another episode of the Giving Back Podcast! Buddy has delivered over 30 million shoes to impoverished areas all over the world. Through Buddy’s shoe program, he is helping impoverished people transform their lives in a sustainable way that carries over to the next generation. All from just a pair of shoes!
Key Takeaways:
[3:15] This is Buddy’s second guest appearance!
[5:00] Buddy gives a quick recap of what Soles4Souls does.
[8:15] You might not know it yet, but we can create such a personal connection to our shoes.
[9:10] Buddy shares an example of how the shoe program helps people.
[12:40] One penny goes a long way for Soles4Souls.
[16:55] Going on mission trips or volunteer and charity trips is more for you than it is for the people you’re helping. You need to be honest with yourself.
[23:20] Why did Buddy decide to write a book?
[30:35] What kind of eye-opening moments did Buddy learn about while interviewing people for his book?
[36:05] How do you really know if you’re making an impact?
[38:20] How would you feel if you tripled your income overnight?
[43:25] Buddy is right now developing a partnership where he will make it easy for you to donate your used pair of shoes. Right now, it’s a bit ‘inconvenient’ to do.
[50:55] One pair of shoes makes a huge, huge impact on one person’s life.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Giving Back Podcast Episode 041: In the Act of Giving, We Also Receive — Soles4Souls with Buddy Teaster
Soles4Souls
Shoestrings, by Buddy Teaster
Welcome to the 89th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing my reunite with my brother. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
A few months ago I was at the Tuesday meeting of Downtown Streets Team, soaking up the success stories of our unsheltered neighbors making progress in their lives and listening to members share the love with their fellow team members to keep hope alive. These “revivals without religion” as Joan from Dolby calls them are a source of inspiration and strength for me, a reminder of how much I have and how much a hand up, rather than a handout, can do.
This is where I heard two members from an organization called Miracle Messages. This group has a simple and powerful mission: Help your neighbors experiencing homelessness reunite with their families and friends. Kevin Adler and Nancy Erhard from Miracle Messages were guests and shared some powerful stories of impact:
Giving Back Podcast: Miracle Messages
I was paying special attention to Miracle Messages for a personal reason. I hadn’t seen my older brother Tom for 18 years. For a variety of reasons and confounding factors, he removed himself from our entire family, nuclear and extended. I had no idea where he was, although earlier searches had pointed to areas around the Bay Area.
Handsome, smart and athletic, Tom was as All-American as it gets. A three-sport athlete and charming, he also took classes at UC Berkeley while in high school. Women wanted to be with him, men wanted to BE him. I know I certainly did. 8 years his junior, I would spend my summers watching him play basketball with his friends and trying to impress him.
His life took a major turn when he was in a bad car accident during his junior year in high school. Competitive sports was now out, and he took to working after school. He graduated on time, went to college and then dropped out. He was used to the money and put his energy into work instead of his education.
More importantly, I think, is that he’d gone from exceptional to “merely” special. He was used to the spotlight and it frustrated him that the ease of his former life was gone. He went through a series of jobs that he was great at, but left each because he wasn’t moving up fast enough, not receiving the recognition he thought he’d earned.
Along the way, he also had arguments with family and friends. Quick-witted and quick-tempered, major blowouts were not uncommon. Armed with a sense of righteousness as well as a black belt in karate, he could be a particularly fearsome opponent. Even worse when he was feeling frustrated and lashing out.
But even as a child, I could see that his anger masked the goodness that he had in his heart. He was generous and funny and always wanted to help. In fact, looking back, I can see that his frustration with many jobs was that he DID go above and beyond but felt disrespect when his expectations, expressed or not, went unfulfilled. All of us want to know that our lives have meaning and that our work has value. And I think all of know how frustrating it feels when our needs go unfulfilled and we don’t have the language or guidance to know how to ask for what we want. I know I do, and on many occasions both personal and professional.
Tom was struggling during those years when I was in high school and then to college. Emotionally as well as financially. He was looking for his new identity, a sense of self and purpose. Struggling to move on to a new chapter. And when our father died, he had the hardest time of all of us.
He and our father had a special relationship. The first son after two daughters, our father finally had a boy to take fishing and camping and horse around with in a way he couldn’t with my sisters. They spent so much time together. I remember seeing photos of them when I was little and wondering why Dad and I didn’t do the same things. Not jealous of Tom, just a little sad.
So he got more and more distant after Dad died, moving from occasional visits to occasional calls until one Christmas was the last we heard from him. And it’d been years until earlier in 2018 when Nancy from Miracle Messages got involved. She connected with Tom and left him a couple of messages. I waited with high hopes, and after a few months of not hearing from him, I asked Nancy to contact Tom again. Nothing.
I decided that I’d waited long enough and called him. Have you ever seen that TV show “Name That Tune” where contestants bid down the number of notes they need in order to, well, name that tune. One word was all I needed to know it was Tom when he picked up the phone. He was talking to me before I was even born and “hello” was all it took to recognize him.
I spoke with Christina Noel from Arc Benders about how connecting with him after so long was a marker of who I’ve become and who I want to be. I wanted to tell him that I love him and I miss him, that it’s okay to be nervous or scared, and that no matter what he chooses to do, I’m here for him. I got to tell him that, and I meant it. I meant it with all my heart. Like Celeste Fremon says about Father G from Home Boy Industries, “It was never his job to save them. It was his job to love them.” I just want to love him. I’m in that space and I am at my best living there. That’s how I can serve Tom.
I got to meet up with Tom a few days later. It was great to see him and hear him and hug him. Feeling his love and pouring back into him was a gift I’ll always hang on to. No matter what the future holds for us, he knows that whatever he chooses, he is loved.
I am eternally grateful to my Dad who showed me what unconditional love looks like. Thankfully, I was open to receiving that gift before he died. I am also so thankful that the Universe brought Bill Verity into my life by way of the remarkable Midori Verity. We talked about Miracle Messages and hopefully re-connecting with Tom. Bill was kind enough to share his own story of family challenges and encouraged me in just the right way to reach out to Tom if he didn’t call.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/426167404453946
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Downtown Streets Team
Miracle Messages
Home Boy Industries
Arc Benders
Giving Back Podcast: Miracle Messages
Blake Canterbury is a social innovator, philanthropist, and social media expert. He is also the founder of Purposity, a text messaging service that allows you to give back to those who truly need it the most. On today’s episode, Blake discusses Purposity, how it helps our neighbours in need, and why it’s so easy (and addicting) to use.
Key Takeaways:
[3:45] Why did Blake decide to create Purposity?
[7:20] With a simple click of a button, people can effortlessly help a charity and an organization out with their needs.
[8:45] It’s tough for a nonprofit because instead of working together, a lot of time they’re forced to compete with other nonprofits due to lack of resources.
[10:10] The beauty of Purposity is that you can see where your dollars go and how it directly impacts and helps an organization.
[15:35] If you want a movement to have impact, it has to belong to the people who join it.
[17:00] What happens if Purposity isn’t in your town or city currently?
[19:35] Blake’s next step is to attract people who have never given back before. He wants to make it so easy that anyone can help.
[22:00] It’s fundamentally in our hearts to help our neighbors.
[24:45] Blake has a team of copywriters to make the nonprofit or individual person’s story interesting, unique, and funny during their time of need to help engage audiences.
[27:00] 90% of people’s needs on the app are met within 12 hours and, of those 90%, 70% are met within the first hour.
[28:50] Is Purposity anonymous for those who are requesting help?
[31:05] What kind of feedback has Blake received from people who have donated in the past?
[32:25] Blake shares an event he witnessed as a teenager that involved a broken-down refrigerator and a well-off family.
[35:45] Have faith in human kindness.
[36:45] What’s next for Blake?
[40:15] Purposity is an app that really meets people where they’re at in a simple and easy way.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Purposity
Blakec Canterbury
Blake Canterbury on LinkedIn
Welcome to the 88th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing the Evangelist. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
Alannah Avelin
See some of her amazing photography work at http://www.alannahvision.com
She’s also a world-class branding expert and someone who’s in my heart for all the right reasons.
She sees me. She sees beyond who I am now into the best possibility of myself. And knowing my purpose and what I can achieve, she pushes me. Relentlessly.
Is the vision big enough? Am I spreading my wings? Am I using my talents and experience to the fullest capability? Am I using my unique, unfair advantage to the service of others?
I respect her opinion and I was kinda nervous about coming back from Vegas to tell her my vision. Luckily, it’s big enough to serve my purpose. A coalition of incredible leaders solving complex problems in a holistic way. Turning “non-performing” assets into capacity building resources for communities across the US.
Why Guy Kawasaki? He helped us see the possibilities. And Alannah sees that the vision I have is one that takes us to a whole new level of community service and kinship.
He could see the future. What exactly we could do if we join together?
I’ve been poured into the last few months, and that has made a huge difference.
It’s gotten me here.. John Nguyen, Jamie Moran, Swami, Midori Verity, Ron Klabunde, Jim Vandehey, George Madiou to name a few - thank you!.
It’s really exciting taking the next step with the non-profit filling up 501(c)(3). We can offer great value to the people who needs that help.
I promise you, it will be true to that Vision. It’s an exciting time.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/294943037755330/
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
http://www.alannahvision.com
David Dachinger was diagnosed with stage IV cancer and it suddenly fell on Tamara Green to be the sole caregiver for the household. Tamara, a licensed Certified Social Worker, used meditation practices to help David remain calm during such a scary time.
After David’s amazing recovery, he and Tamara wrote a book, Live Calm with Cancer, to share simple practices anybody can use while they face illness and disease. They are also the co-founders of Loving Meditations, an online meditation app that is catered to caregivers and cancer patients. Find out more about David and Tamara’s amazing love story and journey on today’s show!
Key Takeaways:
[3:10] Today, we have an amazing power couple on the show!
[5:15] David is so grateful he had Tamara by his side while he had stage IV cancer.
[7:40] Tamara believes that it’s so important to just be present during someone’s difficult times.
[11:05] In the beginning, it was very tough for Tamara. Within the span of one week, she found out David had cancer and her son had Lyme disease.
[16:35] What was the process in creating the book, Live Calm with Cancer?
[20:05] David shares some of the low points he had during his cancer journey.
[26:15] When the doctor announced that David was cancer-free, he also asked him how he did so well in his cancer recovery.
[26:55] When the doctor found out what David was doing, he said he wanted the same thing to happen for his patients. This is why Loving Meditations was founded.
[28:25] Tamara does a simple meditation walkthrough for those who are curious as to how it works.
[31:35] Meditation is super easy! You can do it anywhere.
[34:25] Another hospital today has signed up with Loving Meditations and will be showing it to their breast cancer patients.
[38:45] Modern medicine is beginning to recognize that there are low-risk ways (acupuncture, reiki, etc.) to make patients feel better.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Ddmusic.com
Loving Meditations.com
Live Calm with Cancer, by Tamara Green and David Dachinger
Welcome to the 87th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing The Language of Love. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
Lynne Gordon Moquete is the Executive Director of @UnaVidaDR and the Human Interaction Teacher at Casa Grande High School.
She’s an incredible community champion and dedicated student advocate in Petaluma. She recently posted a meme on Facebook about love that I found so insightful I’m sharing it today. See if this resonates with you:
People don’t always say “I love you.” Sometimes it sounds more like:
Did you eat?
Call me when you get home.
Be safe.
I made you this.
All these different ways to say “I love you.” She posted this in reference to the book “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. I’d never heard of the book and Lynne was kind enough to send me a copy. What a page turner! Its basic premise is there are five primary “languages” of love and learning to express love in your spouse’s language is key to love that lasts. These are the five languages:
Words of Affirmation
Acts of Service
Receiving Gifts
Quality Time
Physical Touch
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray
Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
Today’s cover shows me and my wife in a moment where we were really speaking each other’s language. It’s about connecting. And most of the time, it takes effort. What great thing doesn’t?
Lynn on Facebook
Lynn’s meme & post
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/298033847412709
**Mentioned in This Episode:** Giving Back Podcast
Una Vida
Lynn on Facebook
Maggie Kane opened A Place at the Table cafe in January this year, and it has a unique pay-what-you-can system. People believe it’s a cafe just for the homeless, but it’s not! Anyone can go and contribute. Although the cafe was recently opened, this project has been four years in the making, because, as Maggie says, special things take time to build! Maggie explains how her cafe helps people, the volunteers that work for her, and what the face of poverty really looks like.
Key Takeaways:
[3:10] Maggie started a pay-what-you-can cafe and explains how it all works.
[6:10] Maggie has been building this for the last four years, but the cafe has only been open this year.
[7:30] It takes time to build a community! You have to build it one relationship at a time.
[9:20] Maggie had no experience with entrepreneurship or creating a non-profit, but was able to find really good people to help make this cafe a reality.
[13:25] The menu does have a suggested price, but often people want to pay more because they want to pay it forward.
[15:55] Maggie gives out a shoutout to her amazing staff and volunteers.
[19:00] Where are all the people with the ‘I’m homeless’ signs?
[21:45] Maggie is really good at loving people. That’s what life is about.
[25:40] When you’re at the bottom bottom, how do you find the strength to get up?
[28:40] People living in poverty get told ‘no’ a lot, and they are often ignored.
[32:30] A Place at the Table helps change people's mentality and spirit.
[37:05] What are some of Maggie’s biggest challenges right now?
[41:45] Maggie is so thankful she has fellow restaurant owners in the community helping her when unexpected things happen at her restaurant,
[47:35] There were many times Maggie thought about closing the restaurant. However, she kept pushing through.
[51:40] What you ask for, is what you get. Just asking can open up so many doors.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
A Place at the Table
so•ca
bu•ku
Welcome to the 86th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing about my vision. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
Power of Purpose: headed by Sherry Watson, ADA co-architect and grant expert. Member of Forbes’ NonProfit Council. Their motto: Run your nonprofit like a business! Tracy, Derek, Erica, Nattie, Lindsay, Brendan - thank you for making the event so amazing!
A few Purpose Pioneers: George, Art & Ursula, Tuan, Tim & Rose, Jeannie, Kim, Carol & Jean, Tamara, John, Martha.
Skip Thomas: filmmaker. It was so cool to hear how our missions overlap in such a core way.
Vision Quest, a spiritual journey. What I saw: CNN. A daily fix of news about people giving back and making a difference to others and their communities. Tell their stories visually, to reach and inspire more people to action.
That show and network are going to happen. Life brings us people and resources to make our service missions come true. “Strong Communities” represents a coalition of nonprofits who strengthen communities by promoting mental, physical and financial well-being. Let’s get to work!
Skip’s video about the Power of Purpose conference:
https://www.facebook.com/amptruth.org/videos/1799476663438696/
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/408159692921384
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Wayne Sleight is the COO of 97th Floor, a digital marketing agency recognized as a leader in creating custom strategies and executing them to deliver results. 97th Floor is also an Adobe Solution Partner and a BrightEdge Partner. On today’s show, Wayne shares what the 1% Pledge is, the importance of being a part of something that’s bigger than yourself, and how to create a work environment everyone loves to go to.
Key Takeaways:
[3:45] Wayne has been with 97th Floor for the last 9 years.
[4:05] What does 97th Floor do?
[7:15] What is the 1% Pledge all about?
[12:05] In the last three years, the company has donated over $150,000.
[17:30] At the end of every year, employees are able to select which charities they want the company to donate to, and they state the reason why this charity means so much to them.
[21:30] Engagement goes through the roof in a company that has a strong sense of giving back to the community.
[28:05] Rob admits that he has a difficult time asking for and accepting other people’s help.
[33:40] What kind of future does Wayne envision for the company and his team?
[37:50] The company has a simple mindset of ‘getting out of people’s way’. They don’t want to control their employees; they want to empower them.
[43:20] What would Wayne like to say to his team? Wayne offers some final thoughts.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
97th Floor
Wayne Sleight on LinkedIn
Welcome to the 85th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing A series of reminders. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways: The cover shows a group of really happy people from our 11 day Vision Quest in Colorado back in 2017. Barbara & Don, thank you for a wonderful opportunity you have given me!
What is the vision I have in my mind?
It was an opportunity to explore our mind, in the presence of nature and being able to experience what was going to happen to us.
Vision Quest, a spiritual journey. What I saw: CNN. A daily fix of news about people giving back and making a difference to others and their communities. Tell their stories visually, to reach and inspire more people to action.
A series of events reminded me of my vision.
Joey Powell, Me Fine Foundation, “You know, there’s nothing wrong with being Dave Letterman or Jay Leno.”
In terms of platform simply sharing the stories of greatness and of heroism from the founders, leaders and the volunteers of an organization who donated their time, their talent and their treasures for the community out there.
Ron Klabunde, Generosity Feeds. He recently gave me the book, “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg, and told me this quote from Jim Rohn: "Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness - great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy."
Unsolicited feedback from a colleague, “I listened to your show. You sound like a real show host”
Ursula, coming back from LA: your show should be on Netflix. Like Anthony Bourdain’s. You interviewing, talking from people impacted. You narrate to provide context.
---partnership, evangelist
It makes sense, it’s in my wheelhouse and it’s the next iteration of the Giving Back Podcast. And it’s hugely scary, which means I’m probably moving in the right direction.
What is the next phase? Its GBN- Giving Back Network, A loop of goodness. Kindness and intentional acts to each other. And showing that everything the community need is out there.
A wonderful story about living life fully:
Claire’s Last Days at https://www.facebook.com/Upworthy/videos/280941475788931/UzpfSTEwMDAwMTUzNTIzOTYzNToxOTE2MjAxMTI4NDQxMDQz/
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/400803536990333
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Yvonne Heath has been a registered nurse since 1988 and has worked in the emergency room, intensive care, chemotherapy, hospice and more. Yvonne has personally seen grieving families and loved ones go through a lot and wrote her own book, Love Your Life to Death, about why it’s so important to have the tough end-of-life conversations before you need them. Find out more about Yvonne, the work she does, and the Show Up Movement.
Key Takeaways:
[4:30] Who is Yvonne and what does she do?
[7:40] This life is a temporary journey and we have to stop living in fear that it will end one day.
[9:25] You might be okay about the end, but is your family? Do they know what you want?
[12:40] Yvonne talks about her Show Up Movement.
[14:00] Grief is hard, but in the face of it, you just have to show up.
[14:55] Rob admits that he had three deaths occur in three weeks. It was awkward and uncomfortable.
[18:00] Why did Yvonne decide to write her book?
[25:25] Yvonne takes end-of-life healthcare one step further. It’s not just documents that people have to fill out; it’s about the story they want to tell.
[28:05] Yvonne believes at least once a year you should review/revisit your end of life plan.
[31:05] Ideally, you want to have those tough conversations before you face a crisis or have someone dying.
[32:55] Both Yvonne and Rob have been witness to families taking each other to court to fight over family heirlooms instead of spending that time in grief. Again, have those tough conversations now before you pass on!
[42:10] We, unfortunately, have not been taught how to grieve.
[44:25] It’s not your job to fix grief, but if you just show up and be there, you can make a difference in someone’s life.
[48:25] What’s next for Yvonne?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Loveyourlifetodeath.com
Yvonne Health on LinkedIn
Email: Info@LoveYourLifetoDeath.com
Welcome to the 83rd episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing Brilliant re-framing about business. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways: Just imagine who you'd want to hang out with all day - and build your business around solving their problems --- Ryan Lee, Freedym
Brilliant re-framing about business.
Start with the end in mind, work it backward.
Focus firmly on service and adding value --- ONLY to those you most want to be with.
Dig deep for their actual problems.
Imagine what your business - and your life - would look like!
Some powerful Freedym members:
Jamie Moran Alannah Avelin Alyson Lex Ricky Goodall Christopher StaffordHenry Serrano Jose Av Kate Bennett Schell Marcos Sayon Venus Ramos M D Heather Swensen Kimber Annie Berryhill Tony DiLorenzo John NguyenShannon Barbato Anja Bolbjerg Georgina Sweeney Joshua Koerpel Brent Schmidt Tuan Nguyen Gabriella Ribeiro Karen Pattock Karen RoachStephanie Leach Sharon Holand Gelfand Charles Bram Kimberly StewartAllison Rivers Samson Mark Jala
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/628898690815179/
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Freedym
Laura Lane has experienced tragedy throughout her life. At the age of nine, both her mother and little sister were killed in a car accident. Later in life, Laura lost her daughter to a rare form of brain cancer. However, despite these tough challenges in her life, Laura still finds ways to inspire and be a champion of change in her community. Find out more about what Laura does, and how you can step up in your community to positively impact the lives of others.
Key Takeaways:
[3:25] Who is Laura and what does she do right now?
[5:10] Laura’s daughter, Celeste, was diagnosed with a very rare form of brain cancer.
[8:45] Laura realized right away that she couldn’t do this alone. She contacted inspiring figures, speakers, and mentors to help, and they did!
[15:25] During this intense time, how was Laura keeping it together?
[25:10] Celeste didn’t have much time left, and one of her last wishes was to meet Robbie Williams, Celine Dion, Anne Hathaway, and David Tennant. Laura sent a call out to her network, and over the next few days and weeks, they all called Celeste.
[29:40] Laura feels so blessed that so many strangers were ready to help her little girl.
[30:40] What kind of community service projects is Laura currently working on?
[41:50] After fundraising, Laura went to her community’s high school and asked the principal what she needed. “Running shoes,” she said. So Laura went to her local shoe store and ended up filling nine hockey bags (they’re bigger than army duffle bags) with new shoes for both elementary school and teenage kids.
[51:00] Laura shares a heartbreaking story about what happened days before she arrived to give away the shoes to this community.
[1:01:30] With so much going on, how does Laura keep such a positive attitude?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Laura Lane
Laura Lane on LinkedIn
Two Mothers, One Prayer
LifeSuccess Consultants
Welcome to the 83rd episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing Independence Day 2018. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways: Today’s show is all about Independence Day 2018. As a kid, I celebrated the bicentennial years of independence in 1996. I was a very optimist boy of 9 years old.
We can make a difference and honor our beautiful country by giving back on independence day. Of course, there are many ways to honor those brave and great men and women who are working for our country.
Below are some beautiful stories and images that will inspire you to do something today.
Making a Difference: A World of Giving - Honoring America on Independence Day by Giving Back https://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-m-dietlin/making-a-difference-a-wor_b_3530339.html
A moment of Fourth of July kindness in Boston
https://www.boston.com/culture/lifestyle/2016/07/04/a-moment-of-fourth-of-july-kindness-in-boston-inspired-these-striking-illustrations
15 Patriotic Acts of Kindness
https://www.eatsleepbe.com/2015/06/14/15-patriotic-acts-of-kindness/
4th of July 2018 in pictures: Best Independence Day celebrations from USA https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/984241/4th-of-july-2018-fireworks-independence-day-celebrations-USA
14,000 Become U.S. Citizens to Celebrate Fourth of July
http://immigrationimpact.com/2018/07/03/citizens-naturalization-ceremonies-fourth-july/
During a recent naturalization ceremony in Nebraska, a district court judge presiding over the event reminded the new citizens about what it means to be American:
“You may hear voices in this land that say that there’s only one true American way. …There is no single American way to think or believe. Indeed, conformity of thought and belief would be contrary to the underlying principles of this great nation.”
God Bless America :)
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Betty Vitale started Tammi’s Closet in honor of her daughter. Tammi passed away from an unfortunate car accident while she was still a teenage girl. Betty had kept her prom dress for 10 years before giving it away to a girl who needed it more. This act sparked a whole new purpose in Betty’s life. Now, she is currently in her fifth year of Tammi’s Closet and has donated over 2000 dresses since the beginning! Find out more about Betty and her organization on this week’s show!
Key Takeaways:
[3:10] How did Tammi’s Closet get started?
[5:15] During Tammi’s Closet’s third year, someone broke into Betty’s house and stole 19 prom dresses. She was heartbroken, but, through the media’s help, the community and people from all over ended up donating 900 prom dresses that year.
[6:00] Betty is now in her filth year and 300 dresses have already been donated to her.
[7:45] Tammi died in an unfortunate car accident and it took Betty 10 years before she could give her dress away.
[14:00] Tammi’s Closet is a way for Betty to keep her daughter’s name alive and honor her.
[22:40] Macy’s has been kind enough to donate gift certificates to Tammi’s Closet.
[25:55] Does Betty take wedding dresses?
[28:15] Betty admits that the robbery of those 19 dresses was a blessing in disguise.
[32:20] What kinds of things does Betty need to make someone’s prom day special?
[35:25] Betty shares her philosophy and why she believes in giving back.
[37:25] Tammi’s Closet has made Betty a better and happier person.
[42:20] Hold on to what you have now because you never know if it’s going to be gone.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Tammi’s Closet on Facebook
GoFundMe - Tammi’s Closet
Call Betty: 617-529-0198
George founded the Network Marketing Magazine in 2005 to help members of the network marketing industry to get the training necessary to succeed in their business. He took that experience and passion and created Business4Vets, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, to help veterans, reservists, and active-duty military families achieve successful business owners in the Direct Sales and Network Marketing industry. Business4Vets is an incubator for military members who have an entrepreneurial desire and will help guide members in selecting, starting and running a business, while also providing expert training, coaching and mentoring along the way to help them achieve success.
The Network Marketing Magazine has been helping people around the world achieve personal and professional success through Direct Sales and Network Marketing for over a decade and is now helping our deserving military families.
Key Takeaways: George’s 30+ businesses range from wildly successful to outrageous learning experiences
His father didn’t expect to live during his service in WWII. His key to making it out? Not giving up. That’s what he taught George and his siblings.
There are over 100 Million network marketing participants worldwide. In 2005 he started Network Marketing Magazine to help them be successful in their business.
How network marketing success works: choose the right company, have passion for the product, and get great training.
George has created a “boot camp” for Business 4 Vets to help vets and military families build their success using his experience and Network Marketing Magazine resources.
Business 4 Vets launches on the Fourth of July, 2018. George will be here in a series of interviews to talk about progress, results, and impact on those he serves.
His goal: 25,000 vets and their families in Business 4 Vets by the time we meet again.
Good luck, George! See you in October!
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Business 4 vets
The network marketing magazine
Shara Gonzales is the President and CEO of New Beginnings, an organization that helps those who have been displaced in Hutchinson, Kansas. The goal is simple, to achieve permanent and affordable housing for the disadvantaged, and to create successful outcomes for all members of the community. Shara has dedicated 27 years of her life to serving her community in a sustainable way. Find out more about her and her story on today’s show!
Key Takeaways:
[3:30] Who is Shara and why did she create New Beginnings?
[6:40] To help people out of homelessness and bring them back into the community, a ‘one size fits all’ approach simply doesn’t work.
[9:35] Shara’s work focuses on creating stability so that people can go to work without being worried about where they’re going to sleep that night.
[12:10] What is an Oxford house and why does Shara like that housing model?
[17:00] How does Shara screen for people?
[21:25] How does New Beginnings get funded?
[25:00] You can’t have a house without a job, so why don’t we employ people to build houses?
[28:55] Shara started New Beginnings 27 years ago!
[29:45] How can Shara take this model that she’s created and apply it to bigger cities and communities?
[33:00] Where is the affordable housing located in your community?
[38:00] The next step for Shara is to help create social enterprises to employ more people in the community.
[45:55] Systems and businesses are failing. In the 1970’s, America started losing manufacturing jobs, and it still hasn’t recovered or replaced those jobs.
[48:35] Most people don’t really know or understand the root cause of why homelessness happens.
[57:00] Remember, we’re all a part of the same family.
[58:00] Shara shares a story of how her organization helps displaced people.
[1:03:05] You just don’t know when/if it’ll happen to you. No one is immune to a rainy day, and some of us don’t have the connections to recover.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
New Beginnings
Shara Gonzales on LinkedIn
Welcome to the 81st episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing Resilience, aka GRIT. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways: Today’s cover, you are seeing is a great illustration. It’s all about the “Success”.
What people think success is? And how you get there?
So it’s a great way to look from a different perspective/ retrospect.
According to Angela Duckworth, a researcher, a MacArthur Fellowship winner and with a TEDtalk with over 8 million views, grit is “perseverance and passion for long-term goals.”
My son Tyler mentioned this Henry Ford quote, “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right.” Mindset is a key factor to success.
Failure is not a state, it is a definition
Craig Noonan: was 500+ lbs, really changed his whole life. He asked me for some examples of resilient individuals for the podcast he’s planning on resilience.
It is really inspiring, that he is sharing his own story and telling people it was not easy. There were many major setbacks.
David Dachinger & Tamara Green of Loving Meditations, - Cancer is a love story.
Lindsay Johnson of Anchor 180 - How does someone grow such Resilience!
Jacquie Johnston-Lynch of Tom Harrison House - The power to lift others, overcoming her own pain, recovery and healing and coming back into society.
Tamara & Martha from Chemo Buddies 4 Life - Overcoming some incredible adversity.
So many people don’t have a growth environment.
Just remember it’s not a failure, it’s lesson.
I love America. Happy Independence day!
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live for today’s show:
https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/vb.251634948541557/608900142815034
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Angela Duckworth
Loving Meditations
Anchor 180
Tom Harrison House
Chemo Buddies 4 Life
TEDtalk
Kevin Alder is the Founder and CEO of Miracle Messages, an award-winning non-profit organization that reunites the homeless with their loved ones through short video and audio messages, social media, and local volunteers. Nancy Erhard also joins us on the show to share her experience as a volunteer for Miracle Messages and the impact the organization has had on her. Find out more about Miracle Messages, its mission, and what it means to truly build a community.
Key Takeaways:
[3:30] Who is Kevin and why did he create Miracle Messages?
[8:35] Who is Nancy and why did she join Miracle Messages?
[13:25] How do Kevin, Nancy, and their team find families of the people who have become homeless?
[15:25] Nancy found her birth father when he was 73 years old.
[20:15] What does it look like to build a ‘social home’? What does it look like to build a neighborhood?
[26:05] When you serve the poor, you learn about yourself.
[28:05] Rob shares his personal experience of what it’s like to volunteer for Miracle Messages.
[32:15] What’s like it for Kevin to have such passionate and dedicated volunteers?
[40:25] How can people get involved with Miracle Messages?
[48:05] Kevin shares a personal message to the volunteer team.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Miracle Messages
Miracle Messages on Facebook
#StreetWalks (by Miracle Messages) Facebook Group
Welcome to the 80th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing Family values. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways: Dykes on Bikes kick us off
Solemn: remember Pulse nightclub
Flamboyant: calendars and high walkers
Risque: Bears and furries (go Rochester!)
Solidarity: churches, unions
Corporate: Apple, Kaiser, Uber
Political: Nancy Pelosi, Kamala Harris, mayor-elect London Breed, my man Gavin!
Progress: SFPD, Sheriff’s Dept and SFFD
A few days ago I had a conversation with Vivien Hoexster from H2 Growth Strategies. We were talking about the book she wrote with her partner Linda C. Hartley, “Big Impact: Insights & Stories From America’s Non-‐Profit Leaders” and we got into a deep conversation about how the Freedom to Marry movement evolved.
For years, this has been a family event for us. I want them to see what’s happening in our community and celebrate progress. Most of all I want them to see love and support.
My friend Pastor Steve Stone from Heartsong church in Tennessee shared with me a letter he wrote in response to an email from “Beth” wanting to know if Steve and Heartsong had an open and affirming atmosphere to people of all walks of life. His reply was accepted as the stance of Heartsong Church on Monday, January 20, 2003 and included this passage:
“We would rather stand before the Lord someday and hear him say, ‘You were a bit too liberal about the homosexual thing’, than to hear him say, ‘Your attitude about homosexuality really hurt some of my children and actually kept them from coming to know me and spend life with me.’”
I decided that I could live my life with that philosophy, and go to my Creator open to the outcome.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live for today’s show:
https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/vb.251634948541557/605156716522710/
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Maria Rose Belding is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the MEANS Database, a food pantry communication system that connects food suppliers and users together. This year alone, MEANS Database has delivered over 1.7 million pounds of food to those who truly, truly needed it. By supplying centers, shelters, and other non-profit agencies with food, MEANS Database allows these places to use more of their budget to help, and focus on, those in need. Learn more about Maria and her story on today’s show!
Key Takeaways:
[4:05] Nobody wants food to go to waste. So why does it? Maria set out to change that with MEANS Database.
[4:40] How did MEANS get started?
[10:00] Maria and her interns made 10,000 phone calls from a list that was supposed to be food pantries. Well, more than 20% of those numbers were disconnected. They were only able to reach about less than 10% of those 10,000 numbers.
[14:00] The crazy thing is that the United States has the food. We are not in a humanitarian disaster. But for some reason, we are unable to supply unused food to the people who need it the most.
[15:10] In April of 2018, Maria and her volunteers have moved 1.7 million pounds of food throughout 49 states and territories.
[15:55] What was the first year at the MEANS Database like?
[17:35] How does MEANS Database work?
[23:05] What kind of impact does this kind of work have on the food pantry volunteers, Maria’s food partners, and her volunteer team?
[30:20] Maria feels so blessed and grateful that she gets to work with so many people on this project and make a difference.
[37:15] Who are the people who supply the food?
[37:50] What’s next for Maria?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
MEANS Database.org
Email: Hello@Meansdatabase.org
Means Database on Twitter
Maria Rose Belding on LinkedIn
Welcome to the 79th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing making progress. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways: Father’s Day is a great day to reflect on my progress. I started off the morning with a workout then coffee with my good friend George.
If you’re familiar with Tony Robbins, he said that the one word that he thinks of if you ask, “What does it take to be happy?” is progress.
EOFire.com #1272
To listen to Tony Robbins’ interview on EOFire with John Lee Dumas:
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/3/e/5/3e550092bfa6906a/Tony_Robbins_2.mp3?c_id=11421270&expiration=1466263626&hwt=36dac4ae4aa1b44a32fc0370ba7b0e7a
(22.35 is the start of an incredible minute that I transcribed, it was so powerful)
22.35: “If you ask me ‘What does it take to be happy?’, it’s one word: progress. Progress equals happiness. If you’re not even where you want to be but you’re making progress in your business, you’re making progress in your body, you’re making progress in your relationship, you’re going to feel alive.”
I believe in evolution. I am of the school that it’s not a clean and gradual line but of sudden bursts of change. My progress is the same.
The power of unconditional love
Father Greg Boyle, of Homeboy Industries:
https://crazygoodturns.org/episodes/homeboy-industries/
Celeste Fremone, the author of “G-Dog and the Homeboys”, wrote “Greg’s job was never to save them. It was to love them.”
***That’s my job, and I love it!
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live for today’s show:
https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/vb.251634948541557/595608987477483/
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Master The Game
www.eofire.com
https://crazygoodturns.org
Rene Martinez and Michelle Hall are the co-founders of Miss Shining Star. Rene’s daughter, Sofia, has special needs and she was having trouble attending pageants that could cater to her. Thus, Miss Shining Star and a community of loving parents and individuals was born. Miss Shining Star is the only pageant in Washington state to celebrate young girls and teens with special needs. On the show, Rene and Michelle share their story of how they got started, their fears of it being a very negative ‘Toddlers & Tiaras’ event, and so much more.
Key Takeaways:
[5:30] Rene and Michelle share how many volunteers their pageant has.
[10:00] Miss Shining Star is the first pageant of its kind to start in Washington state. Rene and Michelle would take Sofia to Oregon and California to participate in a pageant for special needs children.
[10:40] The great thing about Miss Shining Star is that parents don’t have to commit to just a day. They can be as involved as they want to be.
[14:15] Both Rene and Michelle were afraid that their pageant would turn into a Toddlers & Tiaras kind of event.
[18:10] The event is incredibly supportive, and the pageant has formed a community of positive and encouraging people.
[23:20] Why are young teenage girls volunteering for this event?
[28:50] At the end of the day, it’s about breaking down barriers to inclusion.
[32:10] This year, 1,200 pajamas were collected by volunteers to donate to the hospital, women’s shelters, and Ronald McDonald House.
[35:10] Come join Rene and Michelle next year and see the pageant for yourself!
[40:00] Rene and Michelle discuss what kind of outfits and dresses are at the pageant.
[46:45] What kind of impact has this pageant had on the volunteers?
[51:25] Local businesses have been incredibly supportive towards the pageant and generous with the donations.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Washington Shining Star Pageant
Miss Amazing
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)
United Good Neighbors of Jefferson County
Welcome to the 78th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing about my own superpower. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways: Elvis. Megadeth. Bill Clinton. Dalai Lama. Roller Derby. Ringling Brothers Circus.
These are a few appearances at the Henry J Kaiser Auditorium, pictured on today’s cover. It’s a beautiful Beaux Arts building with an amazing corkscrew walkway.
I went to a fundraiser recently for Meals on Wheels Alameda County at the Oakland Museum. On top of terrific food and tasty wine, there was a fabulous hum of good energy and a sense of fun. We were guests of our friends Richard & Soreya.
The Henry J, as we used to call it, is right next door. Closed since 2006, it’s been purchased and will go from an events center to mixed commercial. Walking past it with my wife Ursula and Soreya, I remembered a Grateful Dead concert I attended way back in high school. There were 8 or 10 of us and it was my best friend’s birthday.
Someone in our group said, “wouldn’t it be cool if we could get everyone to sing Happy Birthday?” and that’s where the magic began. Like most teenagers, getting up in front of thousands of people and asking them to sing was WAY outside my comfort zone. What would people think? What would they say? They might think I was stupid, and boo me or tell me to sit down and shut up. But I knew I wanted to give this to him, and I knew that the only way to make that happen was to get up and invite EVERYONE.
So I stood up and shouted, “This is my friend Austin and today is his birthday. Please join us in singing a few rounds of Happy Birthday!” I repeated that to all four directions, getting louder and waving more wildly each time. And it started like a baby deer taking its first steps, hesitantly, wobbly, then gaining strength and finally running and jumping. The energy was like a tsunami, with THOUSANDS of people singing and cheering like crazy at the end.
The look on his face was priceless and my heart was filled with joy and delight at what had happened. And that I had made it happen. That was the first glimpse of my own superpower, to use my energy and love with reckless abandon and pull others into “the tent.”
However, you want to make a difference in people’s lives, whatever your own superpower is, the world needs you. Go out there and make some magic!
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live for today’s show:
https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/360945194309501
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Michael-John Voss is the Co-Founder, Special Projects Director and Senior Litigator for ArchCity Defenders. Michael-John shares his story as a civil defense lawyer, why a non-profit law firm like his is so needed around the country and shares a sad story of how the justice system can really kick you when you’re down and make you lose everything. You should not be able to punish people and throw them in jail for being poor.
Key Takeaways:
[4:35] Who is Michael-John, and what does he do for ArchCity Defenders?
[9:30] Michael-John created this organization to represent the poor because it did not exist in St. Louis.
[1355] Remember, at one point in US history, it was legal to own slaves and to prohibit women from voting. That doesn’t mean it was right or just.
[15:20] Why did Michael-John pick St. Louis?
[20:55] Policing for profit hurts the community, including the poor community.
[25:40] You cannot punish people for not having enough money.
[30:15] Unfortunately, there are large factors at play when it comes to how justice gets funded.
[36:15] Michael-John shares a very sad story of what our justice system does to the impoverished.
[45:45] As a lawyer, you can keep people in cages or you can set them free.
[47:55] How does the work Michael-John does impact him and his team?
[52:15] How does Michael-John celebrate the wins?
[55:00] Michael-John shares why he believes we’re experiencing a second coming with the civil rights movement.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
ArchCity Defenders
The Bronx Defenders
Welcome to the 77th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing our problems and solutions. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways: My good friend Ron Klabunde runs Generosity Feeds. He was a pastor for over 20 years and now his ministry is feeding kids. He was a guest, he’s stayed at my house and I’ve stayed at his. Wonderful family.
His father-in-law is an immigrant from Germany who worked his tail off and rose to a high level as a sales executive. He traveled a lot and he has a unique perspective on America that Ron shared with me. He said problems in America are like leaves on a pool.
That’s deep. And practical. And instructive. On so many levels.
That we even have a pool. That our problems are obvious. And easy to sweep up. And also that if we let them sit, they’ll fall and become harder to get, and if we leave them long enough, they’ll muck up the system.
And that brings me to the covergirl for today’s show. That’s Mel Robbins, she of 5 Second Rule fame. That’s counting down, out loud, from 5 to 1 then getting off your ass and doing whatever it is you need to do to get what you want. Fabulous in its simplicity, and a perfect pairing for Ron’s father in-law’s philosophy.
Her quote, “If you have a problem that can be solved by action, you don’t have a problem” is an awesome reframing of any barriers, any challenges. This is the quote she’ll be known for. It raises the question, identifies solutions, and moves toward action.
I see this in our guests all the time and it’s inspiring. They’re facing the BIG problems and taking action. A little girl outraged that a little girl doesn’t have crayons. A pastor who creates a special environment for the homeless to have dinner. A student who pitches in to help veterans, disabled, elderly and single moms with their lawns. A hairdresser who offers a cut and a bit of conversation.
It all counts. It’s all beautiful. It’s all service and building community.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Facebook Live for today’s show:
https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/587953978242984
Mentioned in This Episode: Giving Back Podcast
Generosity Feeds Website
Danny Rosin is the co-owner of Brand Fuel, Inc., a nationally recognized promotional products agency and co-founder of Band Together, a community that leverages live music as a platform for social change. On today’s show, Danny shares how he combines his business with his community, why anybody can pursue a social change project and discusses ways you can completely transform your work environment to a more positive and fun atmosphere.
Key Takeaways:
[2:55] What is Danny’s business, Brand Fuel, about?
[6:30] Danny has had zero turnover in his company in the last year.
[7:45] During 9/11, Danny and his friends decided to host a benefit concert. He had never hosted one before, but that’s how Band Together NC started.
[9:00] Every year, Danny highlights a different, but special cause to allow people to tell their story.
[9:25] Brand Fuel has become the largest non-profit live music festival in the Southeast, US.
[14:15] At work, we’re missing the mark when it comes to the importance of living.
[19:15] Danny was very conflicted in combining Brand Fuel’s mission and purpose with Band Together. He didn’t want people to think he was trying to make a profit off of his charity.
[26:00] What’s making you upset in the world right now? What can you do to fix it? Every little bit counts!
[28:50] What are you doing with what you have been given?
[37:35] Why not make community service fun? Fun is contagious and it’s what engages people!
[44:55] Customers are expecting people to be authentic and human.
[47:05] What does partnership philanthropy mean?
[50:55] If you want to go far, you have to go together.
[53:45] How can nonprofits make their events more successful?
[54:55] Experience is the new luxury good.
[58:15] In many corporate environments, we leave generosity at the door. How can we change that?
[1:01:20] Hot off the press! The next Band Together event is June 23rd with American Aquarium and Walk the Moon to support Triangle Family Services.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Giving Back Podcast
Brandfuel.com
Bandtogethernc.org
Danny Rosin on LinkedIn