Best Marisa Grant Podcasts (2025)

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Custom GPTs for Nonprofits A Step-by-Step Guide by Maria Rio 16:54

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6h ago16:54

16:54

About The Episode AI is here to stay, and many nonprofits are already embracing it. In this episode, we break down how you can set up your own custom GPT to save time, boost donor engagement, and make your team’s life a whole lot easier. Whether you're writing thank-you emails, managing volunteers, or brainstorming fundraising ideas, your nonprofit…

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220: Emma Varvaloucas: Mind Over Media 58:04

1d ago58:04

58:04

What if the way you consume the news could shape the world for the better? In this stirring conversation, Lee C. Camp sits down with journalist and Buddhist practitioner Emma Varvaloucas, Executive Director of The Progress Network, to explore how we can reclaim our agency in a world addicted to anxiety. Emma shares practical tips for engaging with …

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219: Unabridged Interview: Melina Laboucan-Massimo 1:11:32

4d ago1:11:32

1:11:32

This is our unabridged interview with Melina Laboucan-Massimo. What does perseverance look like on the long road to justice? Melina Laboucan-Massimo was born in the Lubicon Cree community of Little Buffalo, in what today is called northern Alberta. Some of her earliest memories include chasing dragonflies through pristine wilderness and protesting …

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God Chicken, with Riley Silverman 1:10:38

4d ago1:10:38

1:10:38

On this week’s episode, comedian and writer, Riley Silverman (Doctor Who, Star Wars), is back to chat about teaching D&D to children, giving comic books away, competitive swimming, and more! The IndieGoGo for Of Dread, Decay, and Doom is here! Check out Riley's Doctor Who story! Donate to Al Otro Lado, any amount helps right now. See Jordan and Ste…

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People-First Leadership for Nonprofits with Marisa Tran and Maria Rio 25:40

7d ago25:40

25:40

Ever tried to juggle visionary ideas, tight budgets, and a team that spans every learning style under the sun? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria sits down with management coach and EDI powerhouse Marisa Tran (they/them) to unpack what “people-first, consent-based leadership” really looks like when you’re running a small shop. Marisa is …

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219: Melina Laboucan-Massimo: Indigenous Wisdom and the Fight for Justice 57:47

8d ago57:47

57:47

What does perseverance look like on the long road to justice? Melina Laboucan-Massimo was born in the Lubicon Cree community of Little Buffalo, in what today is called northern Alberta. Some of her earliest memories include chasing dragonflies through pristine wilderness and protesting with her family against the oil and gas companies that threaten…

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218: Unabridged Interview: Michael Luo 1:09:01

11d ago1:09:01

1:09:01

This is our unabridged interview with Michael Luo. When journalist Michael Luo was told to “go back to China” on a Manhattan sidewalk, it sparked a deeply personal journey into America’s past. In his new book Strangers in the Land, Luo unearths the overlooked history of Chinese exclusion in the U.S.—from early migrations and violent hostility to th…

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Little Rodents That Are Big, with Tamara Yajia 1:25:20

11d ago1:25:20

1:25:20

On this week’s episode, author and comedian, Tamara Yajia, is here to chat her new book (Cry For Me Argentina), Anime Expo, favorite animals, and more! Get Tamara’s new book Cry for Me, Argentina: My Life as a Failed Child Star. See us LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO ON AUGUST 22ND AT THE ECLECTIC BOX! Donate to Al Otro Lado, any amount helps right now. See …

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Planned Giving and Community-Centric Fundraising with Chantelle Ohrling and Maria Rio 23:10

15d ago23:10

23:10

Good Works estimates that a staggering $280 billion in estate wealth is expected to flow into Canadian charities. That’s not a number small nonprofits can afford to overlook. Planned giving doesn’t have to be exclusive, intimidating, or tax-code-heavy. In this episode, we dive into how small nonprofits can approach planned giving in a way that’s eq…

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218: Michael Luo: Strangers in the Land 56:15

15d ago56:15

56:15

When journalist Michael Luo was told to “go back to China” on a Manhattan sidewalk, it sparked a deeply personal journey into America’s past. In his new book Strangers in the Land, Luo unearths the overlooked history of Chinese exclusion in the U.S.—from early migrations and violent hostility to the nation’s first racially targeted immigration laws…

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217: Unabridged Interview: Astro Teller 1:11:44

18d ago1:11:44

1:11:44

This is our unabridged interview Astro Teller. In a world that is increasingly dominated by profit over people, it’s easy to be cynical about the future. But what if there was a different way forward? Could capitalism, technology, and human flourishing go hand in hand, and what would it take to get us there? In this episode, Lee Camp invites Astro …

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Scissor Brothers, with Atsuko Okatsuka 54:08

19d ago54:08

54:08

On this week’s episode, we welcome comedian/writer, Atsuko Okatsuka, to chat about staying positive, the Donner Party, her new Hulu special (Father), and so much more! Atsuko’s new special, Father, now on Hulu! See Atusko in your city! See Jordan Morris at Galaxy Con in New Orleans, July 11th - 13th. Buy signed copies of Youth Group and Bubble from…

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Realistic fundraising goals: Budgeting for Nonprofits with Maria and Caitlin 26:20

22d ago26:20

26:20

Too many small nonprofits build their budgets on optimism alone, dreaming big without the strategy or infrastructure to back it up. This episode is all about why that’s a problem, and how to stop the cycle of setting fundraising goals that hurt more than they help. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria Rio and co-host Caitlin McBride get re…

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Feed Swap! Judge John Hodgman - Episode 726: Breeches of Contract 1:08:49

22d ago1:08:49

1:08:49

In a special feed swap edition of Jordan, Jesse, Go!, we share a recent episode from fellow Maximum Fun show (and spinoff series), Judge John Hodgman! From the episode: Mike wears the same cargo pants every day! He says one pair is all he needs. Gabby disagrees! She believes a person needs at least 2 pairs of pants. It’s science. But Mike says he’s…

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217: Astro Teller: Captain of Moonshots on Purpose and Profit 56:22

22d ago56:22

56:22

In a world that is increasingly dominated by profit over people, it’s easy to be cynical about the future. But what if there was a different way forward? Could capitalism, technology, and human flourishing go hand in hand, and what would it take to get us there? In this episode, Lee Camp invites Astro Teller, co-founder and "Captain of Moonshots" a…

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216: Unabridged Interview: David Blight 1:32:05

25d ago1:32:05

1:32:05

This is our unabridged interview with David Blight. “If you’re not ready on some level for the tragedies of history, they’re coming to get you.” In September of 2020 Professor David Blight got an unexpected call from his boss. The President of Yale wanted Blight to work on a project about Yale’s historical involvement with slavery. The undertaking …

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John Yum Yum, with Kimberly Clark 56:53

26d ago56:53

56:53

On this week’s episode, fan favorite, writer/comedian, Kimberly Clark, is back to chat about cruise life, hot young rat boys, passing the conch, and so much more! Listen to Kimberly Clark’s new album, Junior! See Jordan Morris at Galaxy Con in New Orleans, July 11th - 13th. Buy signed copies of Youth Group and Bubble from Mission: Comics And Art! ~…

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Fundraising Psychology: Using Cognitive Biases for Good 18:09

29d ago18:09

18:09

Street fundraising teaches you more than grit, it teaches you the psychology of yes. Maria shares how to use these powers for good. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria shares real-world insights from her time as a face-to-face fundraiser, where she learned the science and subtlety behind why people say yes. It’s about harnessing c…

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216: David Blight: Why How We Remember the Past Matters 48:18

29d ago48:18

48:18

“If you’re not ready on some level for the tragedies of history, they’re coming to get you.” In September of 2020 Professor David Blight got an unexpected call from his boss. The President of Yale wanted Blight to work on a project about Yale’s historical involvement with slavery. The undertaking was so enormous that the Pulitzer Prize winning hist…

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215: Unabridged Interview: Juliet Schor 1:11:05

1M ago1:11:05

1:11:05

This is our unabridged interview with Juliet Schor. Are we working too much? “Time is a vital resource for us to connect with each other, to connect with the earth and …to come together in solidarity, to try and fix what's wrong.” We have accepted the 5 day work week as the status quo—caught in a cycle of working more so we can spend more, just to …

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Live at the Peppermill, with Amy Silverberg 1:13:23

1M ago1:13:23

1:13:23

On this week’s episode, writer and comedian, Amy Silverberg, is back to chat about her new book (First Time, Long Time), shrimp emojis, airplane confessions, kooky aunts, and so much more. Pre-order Amy's new book, First Time, Long Time! Los Angeles! Go to Amy's book release event in Los Angeles at Skylight Books: Thursday, July 24, 2025! ~ NEW JJG…

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Marketing Without Harm: How Nonprofits Can Communicate With Integrity 24:20

1M ago24:20

24:20

Marketing doesn’t have to mean manipulation. But for many small nonprofits, common practices like donor recognition, emotional appeals, and urgency-driven fundraising can unintentionally cause harm. In this episode, Maria and anti-oppressive marketer Natalia Sanyal unpack how to shift your messaging and methods without compromising your values or y…

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215: Juliet Schor: The Extensive Benefits of a Four-Day Work Week 56:26

1M ago56:26

56:26

Are we working too much? “Time is a vital resource for us to connect with each other, to connect with the earth and …to come together in solidarity, to try and fix what's wrong.” We have accepted the 5 day work week as the status quo—caught in a cycle of working more so we can spend more, just to keep up with the Jones’. But what if there's a bette…

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214: Unabridged Interview: Jemar Tisby 1:11:16

1M ago1:11:16

1:11:16

This is our unabridged interview with Jemar Tisby. “The work of justice is daunting…It requires courage.” Have you found yourself asking the question “what can I do in the face of so much injustice?” Historian and New York Times bestselling author Jemar Tisby may have some answers for you. From his own experience as one of the only Black worshipers…

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Dita & The Stankus Boys, with Hannah Hillam and Kaveh Taherian 1:21:37

1M ago1:21:37

1:21:37

On this week’s episode, we welcome cartoonists, Hannah Hillam and Kaveh Taherian, to chat Stankus The Rat updates, share more tubing tales of terror, describe their podcast (500 Open Tabs), and more! Watch 500 Open Tabs on YouTube! Kaveh's Website! Hannah's Website! ~ NEW JJGo MERCH ~ Good Story Guild presents JOSIE’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB Jordan’s ne…

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Nonprofit Leadership: Practical Tools to Reduce Burnout 23:48

1M ago23:48

23:48

Running a small nonprofit often means juggling strategy, people, programs, and inbox chaos, all while making what feels like a million decisions a day. If you’ve ever felt stuck between leading and just trying to keep up, this episode is for you. In this candid and insightful conversation, Maria chats with returning guest Veronica LaFemina about on…

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Ep. 7: Andy Pitcher 55:42

1M ago55:42

55:42

For our long-awaited 7th episode, we speak with Andy Pitcher, a Brooklyn-based guitarist steeped in the world of improvisation and composition. We discuss his early introductions to music and how the guitar found its way to him; growing up in the shadow of New York City; the guitar as an emotional support system; and much more. To learn more about …

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214: Jemar Tisby: The Spirit of Justice 53:05

1M ago53:05

53:05

“The work of justice is daunting…It requires courage.” Have you found yourself asking the question “what can I do in the face of so much injustice?” Historian and New York Times bestselling author Jemar Tisby may have some answers for you. From his own experience as one of the only Black worshipers at the “color-blind” Evangelical services of his y…

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212: Unabridged Interview: Amy Grant 1:09:33

2M ago1:09:33

1:09:33

This is our unabridged interview with Amy Grant. Five weeks before her 16th birthday in 1976, Amy Grant was offered her first record deal. Now, after tens of millions of record sales, six Grammy awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a receipt of Kennedy Center Honors, she is widely recognized as the “Queen of Christian Pop.” From the ou…

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Good Knievel, with Dave Hill and Rob Kutner 1:21:58

2M ago1:21:58

1:21:58

On this week’s episode, we welcome back writers Dave Hill and Rob Kutner to chat about their podcast, The Novelizers, plus black metal, blade humor, and so much more! Listen to The Novelizers! Read Dave Hill’s Dark Regards. Read Rob Kutner’s The Jews: 5,000 Years and Counting Jordan’s new Spider-Man’s comic is out now! Order Jordan’s new Godzilla c…

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213: Walter Brueggemann: The Prophetic Imagination 56:09

2M ago56:09

56:09

Renowned theologian Walter Brueggemann passed away in June 2025 at the age of 92. In this special retrospective episode of No Small Endeavor, we celebrate his remarkable life and legacy. Drawing from memorable conversations and insightful lectures, we revisit Brueggemann’s piercing critique of what he called the "totalism of market ideology"—the pe…

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Building a Fundraising Board 23:20

2M ago23:20

23:20

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Building a Fundraising Board Fundraising isn’t about money; it’s about PEOPLE. And some of your most powerful people? Your board. In this episode, we dive into the challenges small nonprofits face when trying to activate their boards around fundraising. From fear of asking to a total misunderstanding of what …

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212: Amy Grant: Fame, Vulnerability, and Staying Grounded (Best of NSE) 53:17

2M ago53:17

53:17

Five weeks before her 16th birthday in 1976, Amy Grant was offered her first record deal. Now, after tens of millions of record sales, six Grammy awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a receipt of Kennedy Center Honors, she is widely recognized as the “Queen of Christian Pop.” From the outside, one might assume that Amy must be a charac…

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211: Unabridged Interview: Charles Marsh 1:15:38

2M ago1:15:38

1:15:38

This is our unabridged interview with Charles Marsh. Has religion ever kept you from doing something that was actually good for you? It did for Charles Marsh. As a boy growing up in the evangelical South, Charles was taught to distrust his own body, to fear his desires, and to treat suffering as a gift from God. So when debilitating panic attacks s…

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The Batavia of Illinois, with Gareth Reynolds 1:14:37

2M ago1:14:37

1:14:37

On this week’s episode, we welcome comedian, Gareth Reynolds (The Dollop, We’re Here To Help), to chat about rich fluids and standard mopping, his new podcast (Next We Have), Mr. Clean, and more! Check out Gareth’s new show Next We Have on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube! Listen to The Dollop and We’re Here To Help! Jordan’s new Spider-Man’s com…

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How to create a GREAT fundraising strategy for your small nonprofit 21:29

2M ago21:29

21:29

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you want to learn how my company helps nonprofits create a fundraising plan, this link will explain: https://www.gofurthertogether.ca/discoverycall How to create a GREAT fundraising strategy for your small nonprofit Every thriving nonprofit starts with a plan, not a guess. In this episode of The Small Nonp…

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211: Charles Marsh: Evangelical Anxiety 59:21

2M ago59:21

59:21

Has religion ever kept you from doing something that was actually good for you? It did for Charles Marsh. As a boy growing up in the evangelical South, Charles was taught to distrust his own body, to fear his desires, and to treat suffering as a gift from God. So when debilitating panic attacks shattered his world as a young man, he thought that he…

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210: Unabridged Interview: Holy Post 1:08:45

2M ago1:08:45

1:08:45

This is our unabridged interview with Holy Post. Can you do insider critique with a sense of humor? You might know Phil Vischer as the creator of the beloved children’s show VeggieTales, or Skye Jethani for his work as a pastor, speaker, and author. Both of them are long-time public Christian voices. These days, though, they find themselves hosting…

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Stankus The Rat, with Mike Drucker 1:19:36

2M ago1:19:36

1:19:36

On this week’s episode, we welcome comedian and writer, Mike Drucker, to chat about stackin’ damage, comics made by children, the Omegavese, his new book (Good Game, No Rematch: A Life Made of Video Games), and more! Jordan will be at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, June 7th and 8th! Jordan’s new Spider-Man’s comic is out now! Pre-order Jordan’s n…

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From $0 to $2M! Scaling Nonprofits & Building Economic Resilience with Quilen Blackwell 26:47

2M ago26:47

26:47

Wondering how to make millions for your nonprofit? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Quilen Blackwell, co-founder of Chicago Eco House and Southside Blooms, as he shares how sustainability and social enterprise can transform communities. Quilen discusses his journey from starting with zero funds to running a $2 million nonprofit. Learn how…

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210: Phil Vischer and Skye Jethani: Navigating Faith, Politics, and Humor 53:08

2M ago53:08

53:08

Can you do insider critique with a sense of humor? You might know Phil Vischer as the creator of the beloved children’s show VeggieTales, or Skye Jethani for his work as a pastor, speaker, and author. Both of them are long-time public Christian voices. These days, though, they find themselves hosting the Holy Post podcast, doing the hard work of in…

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209: Unabridged Interview: Freddie O'Connell 1:05:14

2M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

This is our unabridged interview with Freddie O'Connell. “If we want to thrive across the board, then there has to be an accounting for the fact that you may have things that befall you in your life that you have no control over.” In this episode of No Small Endeavor, Lee C. Camp sits down with Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell for a conversation a…

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Doin’ McFine, with Brent Weinbach 1:15:01

2M ago1:15:01

1:15:01

On this week’s episode, we welcome comedian, Brent Weinbach, to chat about Mother’s Day, McG updates, Rules 37, and more. Watch Brent’s new special, Popular Culture! Watch The Chicken Coop! And listen to Brent’s video game podcast, Legacy Music Hour! Jordan will be at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, June 7th and 8th! Jordan’s new Spider-Man’s comi…

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DEI for Small Nonprofits: Getting REAL about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Michelle Okere 41:07

2M ago41:07

41:07

Does making your nonprofit feel inclusive seem impossible? Today, we're getting real about diversity, equity, and inclusion in our sector. Join host Maria Rio and Michelle Okere, an expert in nonprofit equity, diversity, and inclusion, as they discuss how communication and belonging play a crucial role in nonprofit success. Michelle shares her live…

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209: Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell: Everything is Political 53:41

2M ago53:41

53:41

“If we want to thrive across the board, then there has to be an accounting for the fact that you may have things that befall you in your life that you have no control over.” In this episode of No Small Endeavor, Lee C. Camp sits down with Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell for a conversation about moral leadership, political realism, and the promise…

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208: Unabridged Interview: Michele Norris 1:07:32

2M ago1:07:32

1:07:32

This is our unabridged interview with Michele Norris. “I wanted to create a vehicle that allowed people to talk about this allegedly toxic topic on their own terms.”- Michele Norris. Could you describe your experience of race in America in just 6 words? That’s the very thing Journalist Michele Norris asked 200 strangers to do back in 2015, when she…

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Salted Up, with Margaret Cho 1:19:20

3M ago1:19:20

1:19:20

On this week’s episode, we welcome comic legend, Margaret Cho, to chat about snack lore, her new album (Lucky Gift), almost being shot out of a canon, competing on Jeopardy, and more! Check out Margaret’s upcoming tour dates. Order Margaret’s new album, Lucky Gift! Go see Jesse at An Evening with Kruk & Kuip: An SF Sketchfest Tribute! Jordan will b…

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Fundraising on LinkedIn: Strategies for Small Nonprofits with Michelle Benson 32:34

3M ago32:34

32:34

How about turning your LinkedIn profile into a powerful fundraising tool? Join Maria Rio and LinkedIn expert, Michelle Benson, as they share actionable strategies for nonprofits to build their digital presence and attract funders via LinkedIn. In this episode, Michelle discusses how to create content that actually enagges donors and funders as well…

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208: Michele Norris: Race, Your Story, 6 Words, Please Send 53:29

3M ago53:29

53:29

“I wanted to create a vehicle that allowed people to talk about this allegedly toxic topic on their own terms.”- Michele Norris. Could you describe your experience of race in America in just 6 words? That’s the very thing Journalist Michele Norris asked 200 strangers to do back in 2015, when she printed a stack of postcards with these simple direct…

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207: Unabridged Interview: Kristin Neff 49:58

3M ago49:58

49:58

This is our unabridged interview with Kristin Neff. Is high self-esteem crucial to human flourishing, or, rather, a hindrance? “The biggest problem with self-esteem is that it tends to be contingent,” says Kristin Neff. “We only feel good about ourselves when we succeed.” Far too often, high self-esteem breeds narcissism, bullying, and prejudice. K…