Episode 1: Nonprofit Burnout 101 featuring Cait Donovan
Coming January 6th
Are you a nonprofit hero, always going the extra mile, and feeling like you’re running on fumes? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of nonprofit burnout with the fabulous Cait Donovan. She spills the tea on how the nonprofit martyr complex can turn a passion project into a full-blown crisis. We’ll uncover the sneaky symptoms of burnout, from feeling chronically tired to snapping at your CFO. And don’t worry, we’ve got the antidote! Cait shares her top tips for refilling your cup and avoiding the burnout abyss. So grab your favorite beverage (and maybe a snack), and join us for an insightful conversation about how to thrive, not just survive, in the nonprofit world.
Episode 2: Building a Public Policy Agenda featuring Arnetta Macklin and Natalie Jones
Coming January 20th
In this episode, we dive headfirst into the exciting world of public policy with our dynamic duo of expert guests: Arnetta Macklin from MIFA and Natalie Jones from Tennessee Nonprofit Network. Get ready to trade boring boardroom meetings for some serious policy wonkery! We’ll unravel the mystery of how nonprofits can take their advocacy game to the next level by crafting a killer public policy agenda. Arnetta and Natalie spill the 501(c)tea on everything from identifying key issues to gaining support from your board of directors.
Episode 3: What Would You Do With $5,000,000? featuring Phil Trammell and Josh Ireland
Coming February 3rd
Ever dreamed of winning the lottery? Well, imagine your nonprofit winning the equivalent! Join us as we delve into the exciting (and sometimes daunting) world of big donations. Our guests, nonprofit fundraising experts Joshua Ireland from Jefferson Bridge Capital and Phil Trammell of Nonprofit Resource Center, share their invaluable insights. They’ll guide you through the process of preparing your nonprofit for a major gift, deciding how to best utilize that massive, unexpected donation, and navigating the delicate conversation of a big gift with your board.
Episode 4: Feral Volunteers featuring Natalie Patric and Angela Meekins
Coming February 17th
Ever had a volunteer who seemed to have a mind of their own? One who shows up when they want, does what they want, and can be downright unpredictable? Well, you’re not alone! Join us as we dive into the world of “feral volunteers” with expert guests Angela Meekins from the Tennessee Nonprofit Network and Natalie Patric from the United Way of Greater Chattanooga. We’ll discuss how to tame these wild spirits and turn them into productive, engaged volunteers. From crafting clear job descriptions to setting realistic expectations, we’ll share practical tips to help you manage even the most unruly volunteers. And yes, we even talk about the time a volunteer showed up dressed as a creepy clown! Tune in for a hilarious and informative episode that will help you turn your feral volunteers into a force for good.
Episode 5: The Problem with Nonprofit Gatekeepers featuring Sunny Bray and Wendy Wand
Coming March 3rd
Ever felt like you’re banging your head against a brick wall trying to break into the nonprofit world or get something new and different accomplished? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the murky waters of nonprofit gatekeeping. Join us as we chat with Sunny Bray from Catalyst Collective and Wendy Wand from United Way of Blount County. These two powerhouses spill the tea on how these gatekeepers are stifling innovation and holding back the next generation of nonprofit leaders. We’ll uncover the secret sauce to avoid becoming a gatekeeper yourself and equip you with the tools to overcome gatekeeping challenges. Get ready to laugh, learn, and take on even the most problematic gatekeeper in your world!
Episode 6: Creating a Mission-Aligned Workspace featuring Kate Haywood and Kesha Ivy
Coming March 17th
Ever walked into an office and thought, “This place screams misaligned?” Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of workspace design with the dynamic duo of Kate Haywood from Daily Design Group and Kesha Ivy from Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South. These design gurus and mission-driven leaders give pointers on how your office space can be more than just a place to clock in. We’ll explore the nitty-gritty of creating a workspace that not only looks good but feels good, aligning seamlessly with your organization’s mission. From creating an optimal workspace for your employees to creating an inclusive atmosphere for your clients, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re a CEO or just a cubicle dweller, tune in to learn how to transform your workspace into a mission-aligned masterpiece!
Episode 7: Why is Funding Basic Needs so Hard? featuring Tina Doninger and C.J. Sentell
Coming March 31st
Why does it seem like every billionaire wants to colonize space, but they’re far less interested in feeding the hungry or providing period products? We’ll chat with the incredible Tina Doninger from Community Resource Center and C.J. Sentell from Nashville Food Project. They’ll share the real challenges of funding basic needs, like food and hygiene products. We’ll explore how providing these essentials isn’t just about survival; it’s about human dignity. Plus, we’ll discover how these organizations are getting creative to make sure everyone in Nashville has what they need to thrive.
Episode 8: How to Increase Your Board’s Governance IQ featuring T.D. Smyers and Kim James
Coming April 14th
Tired of board meetings that feel like a snoozefest? Want to transform your board from a rubber-stamp club into a strategic powerhouse? Join us as we dive into the exciting world of board governance with two dynamic experts, T.D. Smyers of BoardBuild and Kim James of Young Leaders Council. In this episode, we’ll debunk the myth that board governance is all about picking the color scheme for the annual gala. Instead, we’ll explore the nitty-gritty of effective board leadership. We’ll discuss how to train your board members, onboard new members smoothly, and foster a culture of excellence. If you’re ready to take your board to the next level and ditch the boring board meetings for good, tune in to this episode. It’s time to level up your board’s governance IQ!
4.9: De-Mystifying Nonprofit Sabbaticals featuring Laurie Wolf and Abby Hyman
Coming April 28th
Ever wondered how those nonprofit superheroes keep saving the world year after year? Well, it’s not just caffeine and sheer willpower. They take sabbaticals! In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the magical world of nonprofit sabbaticals. Join us as we chat with Abby Hyman of Healing Trust and Laurie Wolf of Foraker Group. These two nonprofit wizards will share why sabbaticals are not just a luxury, but a necessity for organizational health and personal sanity. We’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of how to convince your board that a sabbatical isn’t just a fancy vacation, the best practices for planning your sabbatical, from setting goals to avoiding burnout, and of course, the most important question: What do you do with all that newfound free time? So, whether you’re a seasoned nonprofit pro or a newbie looking to level up, tune in to this episode. Because let’s face it, even nonprofit superheroes need a break.
4.10: Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback featuring Elle Benson and Noah Spiegel
Coming May 12th
Tired of tiptoeing around your boss or dreading feedback sessions? Join us for a hilarious and insightful discussion on the art of giving and receiving feedback in the nonprofit world. Our expert guests, Elle Benson and Noah Spiegel, will share their secrets for transforming feedback sessions from awkward encounters into productive conversations. Learn how to deliver constructive criticism without sounding like a know-it-all, embrace feedback as a gift (even if it’s wrapped in a slightly awkward bow), and avoid common feedback faux pas like taking things personally or throwing a tantrum. Whether you’re a seasoned nonprofit pro or a newbie looking to level up your feedback game, tune in to this episode for tips, tricks, and a whole lot of laughs. Because let’s face it, feedback doesn’t have to be painful. It can actually be kind of fun!