The Monopoly Junior Philanthropist

And there it was: the joy in giving—not in winning. His generosity was boomeranging right back to him.

Episode 60: Finding Hope After Loss with Allison Schaaf, Founder of Miscarriage Hope Desk

Allison Schaaf is the founder of Miscarriage Hope Desk, a nonprofit organization offering resources, support, and hope for women navigating the challenges of miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss.

Healthy Giving in a Busy Season: Introducing the Healthy Giver Habit Tracker Workbook

I know what it feels like to pour yourself out until you’re empty.
To love serving others, but secretly feel tired, overwhelmed, or unnoticed.

Episode 59: Generosity Affirmations for You Today

Today’s affirmations are for the giver. The helper. The one who pours out love and is learning to receive it too.

A Season of Gratitude: Why November Means So Much to Me

November has always felt like a sacred month to me.

Episode 58: Why I wrote Giving is Selfish – Two Years Later

Today, Giving is Selfish is celebrating its two-year anniversary — and the ripple effect has stretched farther than I ever imagined,

Episode 57: Heidi Johnson – Sparking Change through Charity Matters

Heidi Johnson is the Founder of Charity Matters — a platform amplifying the stories of everyday changemakers who are making a difference in their communities.

Episode 56: Season 5 is Here to Energize and Inspire YOU!

I’m grateful to be back behind the mic. I’m excited for what’s ahead and I’m thankful that you’re here.

The Secret to Lasting Joy? Gratitude and Generosity

Gratitude and giving aren’t separate practices—they fuel each other.

Episode 55: Philanthropist Riri, Reimagining Life

Riri is a disability advocate as a podcast host sharing stories of resilience, hope, and support.

The Gift of Giving: Charities to Support Before the Year Ends

Your generosity makes the world brighter, one act of kindness at a time.

A Community for Philanthropists Next Door

I’ve created a community for dreamers, doers, believers, movers, shakers, and glass-half-full kind of people who want to see more of the world’s problems solved.

Episode 54: Jennifer Cunningham, Volunteer Leader in Action

Jennifer has led teams that have managed thousands of volunteers at Cornell and Lehigh Universities and personally volunteered as a dozen organizations in her life.

Episode 53: Jonathan Jacobs, Founder and Director of Rawkstars

JJ is the Founder and Executive Director of Rawkstars, a nonprofit that teaches life skills through music. Tune in to hear how JJ is making the world a better place

Philanthropy Masterminds Guest

It was an honor to be a guest on DonorSearch’s Philanthropy Mastermind webcast hosted by Jay Frost.

Episode 52: Will Murley, Christian-Values Investing Advisor

Will Murley is a former Catholic missionary now in finance. Tune in to hear how Will is making the world a better place by sharing his Christian-values investing.

Episode 51: Jenn Klein, Raising Your Inner Voice

Jenn Klein shares her first podcast guest recording going back to 2020. Raising Your Inner Voice was a live radio show focused on how we can be better for our neighbors and ourselves.

Episode 50: Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami, Therapeutic Arts Founder

Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami is the Founder and Executive Director of the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC), a nonprofit (501c3) organization located in the City of Santa Ana and founded in the year 2000. Dr. Jimenez-Hami holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California…

Episode 49: Erin Cummings, Helping Women Entrepreneurs

Erin Cummings is an entrepreneur, having founded a Yoga business, currently studying for her M.S. in entrepreneurship, and created two funds at Wichita State University for future business owners.

Episode 48: Megan Whitney, Mindfulness for Burnout

Since burning out a decade ago, Megan Whitney’s mission has been preventing the same exhaustion for other women working in nonprofits. She leads a mindfulness community and coaches changemakers to build peaceful, healthy lives — for themselves and others.

Episode 47: Dr. Kirk Adams, American Foundation for the Blind

Dr. Adams spent his professional career diligently driving the inclusion of people who are blind throughout society.

Episode 46: Sonya Perez-Lauterbach, Creator of Leadership Atlas

Sonya is a Certified Coach, Change Expert, and creator of Leadership Atlas – a holistic approach to leadership development that integrates the mental, emotional, and embodied aspects of leading.

Episode 45: Jenna Hermans, From Chaos to Calm

Jenna Hermans is Co-founder and COO of Be Courageous a transformation agency, a busy mom of 4, a high-performance coach, and the author of Chaos to Calm: 5 Ways Busy Parents Can Break Free From Overwhelm.

Episode 44: Michelle Valiukenas, Hope for Families

Michelle is a dedicated mom, storyteller, and advocate. She is the Co-founder of the Collette Louise Tisdahl Foundation, whose mission it is to improve outcomes of pregnancy, prematurity, and infancy as well as aid in the grieving process through financial assistance, education and advocacy.

Episode 43: Glen Carnahan, Littleton Youth Soccer

In this episode, we talk to Glen Carnahan. Glen is on the board of the Littleton Youth Soccer Club where he has volunteered the past 5 years.

Episode 42: Natalie Silverstein, Youth and Family Advocate

In this episode, we talk to Natalie Silverstein. Natalie is an author, speaker, award-winning podcast host, nonprofit founder and passionate advocate for family and youth service.

Episode 41: Eric Goodman, CEO of MVS

In this episode, we talk with Eric Goodman, President and CEO of MVS, Inc. Eric also serves on the boards of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Junior Achievement, and more. Learn how Eric got started in philanthropy and how he found his purpose.

Episode 40: Holly Morrell, Founder and CEO of Heartfelt

In this episode, we talk to Holly Morrell, the Founder and CEO of Heartfelt. Heartfelt provides cardiac screening in order to save lives from preventable tragedies due to Sudden Cardiac Death.

Episode 39: Leoma Gilley, Translating the Bible

In this episode we talk to Leoma Gilley. Leoma is a retired Wycliff Bible Translator. Tune in to hear more about what she has to say about her work translating the Bible in Sudan, where she lived for 20 years. 

Episode 38: Haley Cooper, Lead With Heart Podcast

In this episode, I share a podcast interview I had with Haley Cooper on the Lead With Heart podcast.

Episode 37: Vinnie Cappetta, Coach and Licensed Counselor

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Vinnie Cappetta. Vinnie is a Counselor in Residence at Crossroads Community Church and at Check Your Compass counseling ministry. Listen in to hear how he gives back to his church, as a counselor, and as the leader of Positive Intelligence coaching groups.

Podcast Season 3 is Coming!

And, this is how we work together to spread the good news that giving is fun, enjoyable, and even scientifically proven to benefit your mental and physical health!

The Selfish Art of Giving Course

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to uncover the joy in generosity and elevate your health. Join “The Selfish Art of Giving” today and embark on a 12-week journey to a healthier, happier you!

When Mommy Grows Up Podcast Guest

It was a pleasure to be a guest on the When Mommy Grows Up podcast. I shared about finding my “career sweet spot.”

Giving is Selfish Book Announcement

My book is out! There has been so much to share my perspective on philanthropy. Truly, you can make a difference right where you are now.

Episode 36: Richard Ward, Certified Financial Planner

In this episode, we talk with Richard Ward. Richard is a Certified Financial Planner and philanthropist. Listen in to hear how he has learned through speaking with his clients about how finding a richer life is so much more rewarding than growing your net worth.

Episode 35: Queen Allotey-Pappoe, Sustainable Fashion Designer

In this episode, we talk with Queen Allotey-Pappoe. Queen is a Sustainable Fashion Designer at Queen Adeline. Tune in to hear more about why she is passionate about sustainable and ethical design.

Episode 34: Tim Wilson, Fundraiser and Podcaster

In this episode, we talk with Tim Wilson. Tim is the inaugural Prospect Management and Research Manager at Weber State University. He is also a host of the philanthropy webcast, “People in Fundraising.” Tune in to hear more about why he loves his career in fundraising and what he’s learned through interviewing fundraisers.

Episode 33: Chris McLaughlin, Animal Rescuer

Chris McLaughlin is the Founder and Executive Director of Animal Rescue Front. She is an animal lover and this episode will inspire you to do more for animals.

Episode 32: Chris Baiocchi, Fundraiser of the Year

Chris Baiocchi who is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), nonprofit consultant, and was awarded Fundraiser of the Year from the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Episode 31: Mark Chamberlin, Give Back Advocate

Mark spent his career in high-tech traveling the world for companies such as Cisco and PolyCom. Today, Mark calls himself a “give back advocate.”

Episode 30: Danielle Judd, Founder of Farmhouse Rescue

Danielle is the Founder of FarmHouse Rescue, a virtual farm and workable farm for adults with special needs and children in hospitals.

Episode 29: Haley Cooper, Certified Fundraising Executive

Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business.

Episode 28: Kevin Thai, Photographer for the Unemployed

Kevin supports the unemployed by giving them professional headshots to restore their sense of dignity.

Episode 27: Daphne Birdsinger, Ronald McDonald House Giver and Receiver

Daphne serves at her local Ronald McDonald House, which she benefited from when her son was born in the NICU.

Episode 25: Philanthropist Jenn Klein, Life Updates

Surprise! I’m writing a book. Come hear more about my new book being released in January 2023 called “Giving is Selfish” is about.

Episode 26: Kevin Bjerke, Leukemia & Lymphoma Man of the Year Nominee

Kevin is currently writing a book about his life, which will be released in January 2023. Listen to this inspiring episode to learn how you can make a difference no matter what your circumstances are!

Episode 24: MaryFran Mitrano, From Harvard to the Arts

MaryFran is a fundraiser and together chat about the challenges and ups-and-downs of fundraising and nonprofits. She gives insight into why we shouldn’t be afraid to fundraise.

Episode 23: Evy Amato, A Woman’s Guide

Evy’s heart for supporting women and their spiritual care abounds. She invites us to listen to our intuition in order to lead a life of intention. This episode will guide you on your journey to your best self.

Episode 22: Erin Morrissey, Volunteer for the Elks

Erin encourages us to be involved in The Elks to meet friends, plug into our communities, and to serve others.

Episode 21: Jessi Znosko, Women in Philanthropy

Her best advice is to listen to people, be open-minded and listen to your inner voice. She also doesn’t want to you neglect your own mental health, because this world is a struggle especially in a pandemic!

Episode 20: Howie Hutchison, HopeKids Colorado

In this episode, we talk with Howie Hutchison who is the Executive Director at HopeKids Colorado. HopeKids in a nonprofit started originally in Arizona to create community for families with a child with a life-threatening condition

Episode 19: Ken Holderman, Serving Missionaries

They are passionate about the mental health of the missionaries they serve through Globe International. Listen to this episode to learn how difficult it can be to live a life of service to others.

Episode 18: Chris Gilbert, Fighting to Flourish

Chris is honest that it’s a fight within all of us to chose to give. He believes if we all desired to give to others and acted on those desires then we would solve the worlds problems.

Episode 17: Marc Rosenblum, Running for a Cure

Marc Rosenblum who has raised thousands of dollars running for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Marc is passionate about finding a cure for cancer. Running the Boston Marathon as a charity runner allows him to raise awareness of the good work…

Episode 16: Season Recap & Lessons

Tune in for Jenn’s countdown of her top 5 favorite lessons from season 1.

Episode 15: Jay Foss, Raising Your Inner Voice

Jay is passionate about having better conversations, seeing the good in others, and actively listening to those with different opinions. His career in radio has positioned him to grow where he is planted and sow seeds of good

Episode 14: Jason Dobbs-Hyer, Inspiration Officer

Jason shares his love of Jesus as a source of inspiration for his servant leadership. He has overcome great obstacles and continues to stay positive, thankful, and motivated to help others despite his personal circumstances.

Episode 13: Noah Chesnin, Ocean Advocate

Noah will spend a lifetime to help us all breath easier, enjoy a dip in the ocean, and help us consume healthy protein from the ocean.

Episode 12: Ron Dudley, Street Sense Media Newspaper Seller

Ron is a man with little financial means, but because of his generous heart is a man rich in wisdom and goodwill. He shares his passion for sharing a smile, being non-judgmental, and building community wherever you are planted.

Episode 11: Philanthropist Audrey Blankenship, 9 Year Old Giver

Audrey Blankenship is a 9 year old 3rd grader currently attending a fully remote remote elementary school. Her self identifies religion is Kindness. Audrey began her life as a ‘philanthropist’ by smiling at everyone in her path.

Episode 10: Philanthropist Paul Ott, Spreading Joy

In this episode, I talk with Paul Ott. Paul shares his values of smiling at everyone he meets and telling a good joke to break the ice. Paul doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, is quick to lighten the mood, and never met a stranger. He cares deeply about community, bringing his neighbors…

Episode 9: Philanthropist Melissa Prendergast, Professional Volunteer

Melissa explains, no one can wake up and be a scientist, psychologist, archeologist, or sociologist, but everyone can wake up and say, “I am a philanthropist!”

Episode 8: Host Jenn Klein, Lessons Learned

Jenn Klein reflects on what she’s learned from her fundraising career and new insights from her first six guests.

Episode 7: Philanthropist Sherie Schoch, Loving Local Teens

Sherie passionately serves our world’s future leaders by sharing her love for Jesus to local teens.

Episode 6: Philanthropist Amy Tarlow-Lewis, Feeding Her Community

In this episode, I talk with Amy Tarlow-Lewis, Founder of Littleton Community Farm (LCF). Amy had a dream, relentlessly pursued that dream with “laughter and tears” and the support of many friends, family, neighbors, businesses, public entities, and even other nonprofits. She readily admits she did not do this alone and her guiding advice is…

Episode 5: Philanthropist John R. Fisher, Public Servant For Children

John improves the lives of others through balancing budgets, creating dialogue between people with different opinions, and listening to all members of his community.

How To Listen To The Podcast

I don’t want you to miss out on the You Are A Philanthropist podcast, so I’ve created a step by step guide on how to Listen, Subscribe, Rate, andReview the podcast.

Episode 4: Philanthropist MaryJudith Tierney, Serving Through Education

A retired educator passionate about teaching young children the values of service. MaryJudith shares her Christian faith as a foundation for her teaching career and reason for passionately supporting social justice. As she says, “justice doesn’t mean that we all get the same thing. What it means is that we get what we need.”

Episode 3: Philanthropist Jessica Brand, Creating Communities of Love

I talk with socially-minded small business entrepreneur Jessica Brand. We talk about what types of philanthropic values she incorporates into her businesses. And, what she feels the world needs more of. Hint: Love…”brotherly love”. Tune in to hear

Episode 2: Philanthropist Tanya Gauthier, Healing Invisible Wounds

Tanya Gauther who founded a nonprofit for traumatic brain injury survivors, many of them veterans, called TBIncredible. We got personal and talked about her own traumatic brain injury

Podcast Episode 1: Why I am a philanthropist…and you are too!

Let’s be encouraged and inspired to grow our capacity to change the world. Who is one of my greatest philanthropic influences? Listen to learn more.

A 20/20 Reflection

As we reflect on the year, let’s go forward remembering what we learned: we can count on each other. And, when we can count on each other to do the right thing, to make choices that are in the best interests of others, we can accomplish so much more.

Notes from the Founder & CEO

Your personal purchasing power has an impact on what is bought, sold, and marketed. When you purchase your values, its an opportunity to bring more meaning and human connection into your life. Focus on your values and let them guide your decisions.

Time is Capital

Billy Graham said in a 1997 graduation ceremony, “Time is the capital from God that is yours to invest.” What he said goes beyond what society tells us about how we should be striving for power and money. Somehow, we have lost our way.

How to Write My Obit

But I beg you, when they write my obituary, please be sure says it says I was a philanthropist. Please be sure it includes all my volunteer work, my nonprofit career work, and my everyday acts of kindness. I hope my life can be defined as a giver. For me personally, more important than being rich is being generous.

Job Interviewing Failures

I’ve been doing some interviewing for full-time jobs in fundraising. I want to be a part of a team again. I want to give my whole effort in affecting change in society. I want to be an even bigger philanthropist.

Officially a CFRE!

I chased my dreams and worked hard. I’ve had set backs and challenges, but I persevered. I’ve had a goal since I started my fundraising career in 2005 to obtain my CFRE.

The Power of Volunteering

Since I’m in the nonprofit industry, it made sense for me to continue to hone my skills and reflect my passion for nonprofit service. Now, with the global pandemic, volunteering is even more important across all industries.

Creating a Personal Philanthropy Plan

Personal philanthropy is our own unique plan to make the world a better place–even consequently, enjoy the fruits of our labor. It is a plan for our lives that is drawn from our passions and skills.

What I Can Control

And, so, I’ve learned that my own choices are unpredictable. Other’s choices are even more unpredictable. Now, I’d like to double-down and ride the changing tides of life with a zen-like attitude. I’d like to make choices I am proud of. I am the navigator of my life.

My Secret Email Account

I am so grateful the internet has made our voices accessible and connected.

Equality is a Prerequisite for Philanthropy

Traditionally, the definition of philanthropy is “lover of mankind.” Being a lover of mankind means we must treat all people equal–despite their differences.

Together Apart: Quarantine Generosity Stories

I’ve seen individuals pool their resources to send $1,500 to a local gym employee who hasn’t yet received her unemployment checks. I’ve seen anonymous people drop off diapers at a new mom’s house. I’ve seen children and adults painting rocks for others to find on local trails to bring a simple smile during this lonely and uncertain time.

I Gave to Myself

My anger has dissipated and been removed with just this simple act: to give. Giving must be my best reflex. Love has been replaced by my anger. There is no room for anger and hate when we give—only love.

The Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness Truth

We’ve all heard it before: money doesn’t buy happiness. But, what does? Meditation? De-cluttering? Exercise? Hobbies? Nope. Nope. Nope. Albeit, these have proven to affect your mood and do help you feel better, but do they cause joy? Do they get you motivated to get out of bed? Maybe. For me, I get in a…

Brotherly Philia Love

Celebrating today by small acts of kindness for a family member, a stranger, or a lover, will fulfill an act of agape love. As famous twentieth century Christian author C.S. Lewis writes, “there is another way of giving to God; every stranger whom we feed or clothe.” Giving unconditional love to yourself and to others is empowering and has the ability to change our world.

Grassroots Volunteerism is the Future

The roots of the industry is founded on the premise that people want to help because they enjoy helping. Humans are hardwired for connection. Celebrating and praising all acts of giving will bring about the change our world needs.

Growth Mindset Nonprofits

We’re doing charity work! This isn’t competition. This is teamwork. We need to live the mission in order to fulfill the mission!

Master Every-Day Pleasantries

Become a master of every-day pleasantries; buy Girl Scout cookies; drop off a can in the food pantry bin; or, give the pan-handler a couple coins. These affect at least two people: the recipient—and yourself.

Philanthro-what?

Eighty percent of donations come from twenty percent of people. Does that mean we shouldn’t give? Does that mean we don’t matter? My philanthropic impact on the world matters!

Why We Need A Triple-Bottom Line

Humans are the only caretakers of the earth. And, therefore, what we must also balance in our individual daily life is that special responsibility we each have to making and maintaining our one planet we can (currently) live on as beautiful as it can be.

Stakes In the Ground

This is what I’ve learned in life: don’t ask for permission, don’t complain, just start where you are with what you’ve got!

What do you want to change in your town? In your country? In our world? You don’t have to have gobs of money to make a difference.

My 2020 Goal: Obtain My CFRE

Sometimes I think fundraising should be relabeled: FUN-raising. Yes, I’m THAT into it. In the new year, I hope I will make it official with a CFRE credential.

Thank You For Reminding Me!

I was touched. This was a gift to me; a reminder of people’s pure hearts and intentions of giving. What they were essentially saying to me was: I am grateful that you reminded me so that I can have joy in giving to my friend

Finding Time

Are you able to find the time? What if we stopped saying, “I don’t have the time” and just do it. Think less about it and just say, “Yes!”

How I Wasn’t Qualified To Work With Parents…Because I’m A Parent

A couple weeks ago, a recruiter point-blank told me she would not be moving me forward—because I have taken the last three-and-a-half years off to be a full-time parent. Let that sink in.

Back to School

Where, oh where, will this degree take me? Who will I help next? Who will you help next? How can I help you?

Giving is Selfish!

For more content like this, check out my new book titled “Giving is Selfish” on Amazon here! Academy Award Winning Actor Denzel Washington said, “Giving is selfish,” during a university commencement speech. He said giving is selfish! Selfish! I never heard this before. It doesn’t make a lot of sense—at first. I had to replay…

The Dynamic Duo: Gratitude and Giving

Years ago, it was Oprah who told us first to jot down every night before bed five things we were grateful for. She praised the practice as an instant mood-booster; a gift of a deeper sense of peace for the practitioner; and, as a way for one to think more objectively about their circumstances. Indeed,…