Best DonorSearch Podcasts (2025)

1
Let's Talk About Love: A Conversation with Dr. Jen Shang 40:30

6d ago40:30

40:30

Professor Jen Shang is Co-Founder and Director of the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy, and the world’s only philanthropic psychologist. She was the first person to earn a PhD in Philanthropy, and her research on donor identity and meaning has been featured in the New York Times, BBC, and Chronicle of Philanthropy. In 2025, she received AFP’s…

1
What Gives You Life: A Conversation with Jeff Schreifels 1:03:30

14d ago1:03:30

1:03:30

Jeff Schreifels is Principal at Veritus Group and co-author of It’s Not JUST About the Donor. With over 35 years in nonprofit fundraising, he’s helped thousands of professionals create meaningful donor relationships and raise more money with integrity and heart. In this episode, we begin not in the office—but on the road—with Jeff’s 1,000-mile bike…

1
Vocation: A Conversation with Jeremy Wells 37:46

17d ago37:46

37:46

Jeremy Wells is the Senior Vice President of Philanthropic Services at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. With more than twenty-five years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership, he's been instrumental in advancing equity and community-led solutions through philanthropy. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Jeremy was…

1
What Drives Me Forward: A Conversation with Ashley Hufft 58:07

24d ago58:07

58:07

Ashley Hufft is President and CEO of Unbound, an international nonprofit based in Kansas City that partners with families worldwide on their self-directed paths out of poverty. A Harvard-trained attorney and anthropologist, Ashley has built a distinguished career advancing sustainable solutions to poverty, food insecurity, education, and gender equ…

1
The Point You Do Not Go Past: A Conversation with Tom Ahern 51:49

1M ago51:49

51:49

Tom Ahern is one of the most influential voices in donor communications. The New York Times has called him “one of the country’s most sought-after creators of fundraising messages.” A self-described writer before he could write, he has authored multiple acclaimed books, trained thousands of fundraisers around the world, and most recently published …

1
Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant: A Conversation with Sabrina Walker Hernandez 57:07

2M ago57:07

57:07

Sabrina Walker Hernandez is a consultant, coach, and facilitator who helps small nonprofits grow leadership, strengthen boards, and raise more money. She began her career in 1996 and spent 20 years with the Boys & Girls Clubs, including 11 as CEO in Edinburg, Texas, where she led a $12 million capital campaign, built a $500,000 endowment, and tripl…

1
Launchpad: A Conversation with Rebecca and Chris van Bergen 58:50

2M ago58:50

58:50

Rebecca van Bergen and Chris Van Bergen are the visionary leaders behind Nest, a nonprofit advancing gender equity and economic inclusion in the global artisan and maker economy. As Founder and Executive Director, Rebecca launched Nest in 2006 at just 24, building partnerships with brands like Etsy and Patagonia to support over 250,000 artisans acr…

1
This Miraculous Work: A Conversation with Karyn Grossman Gershon 56:49

2M ago56:49

56:49

Karyn Grossman Gershon is CEO of Project Kesher and the architect of its international network of feminist Jewish leaders. She has helped raise over $40 million to support Jewish women and girls across Eastern Europe and Israel, advancing gender equality, public health, and Jewish life. Most recently, she’s helped shape a gendered response to the w…

1
The Painful Things: A Conversation with Eileen Heisman 1:34:09

2M ago1:34:09

1:34:09

Eileen Heisman is one of philanthropy’s most influential leaders. As the founding President and CEO of National Philanthropic Trust, she grew it into a global powerhouse, facilitating over $63 billion in charitable giving. A ten-time honoree on the NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50, she’s advised world leaders, taught at Penn, and shaped the…

1
I'm Not Surrendering: A Conversation with Tony Martignetti 1:11:52

3M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

A former attorney who walked away from law to find his true calling in philanthropy, Tony Martignetti has spent over 27 years helping organizations grow and thrive. He’s the founder of Martignetti Planned Giving Advisors and the host of Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio, where he’s been sharing expert insights and candid conversations with nonprofit…

1
Never In My Wildest Dreams: A Conversation with Maya Kuppermann 1:03:09

3M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

Maya Kupperman has spent her career building organizations that drive innovation in philanthropy. As co-founder and CEO of Temelio, she’s using AI to make grantmaking faster and more efficient. Before that, she helped grow MainStreet from a seed-stage startup to Series B and advised The Farmlink Project, which connects surplus farm produce to food …

1
Creating Systems That Are Just: A Conversation with James Misner 1:06:12

3M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

James Misner is committed to building systems that create lasting impact. Growing up near Philadelphia in the 1990s, he was struck by his community’s negative attitudes toward refugees from the Balkans and Rwanda. This led him to study political science, work in resettlement, and dedicate his career to helping nonprofits secure the resources they n…

1
The River: A Conversation with Jim Langley 1:04:52

3M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Jim Langley is a leading voice in philanthropy. As President of Langley Innovations, he’s helped hundreds of institutions rethink fundraising through research-driven strategies. A former advancement leader at Georgetown, UC San Diego, and Georgia Tech, he’s led groundbreaking campaigns and shaped best practices in donor engagement. Through his book…

1
People-Powered: A Conversation with Sara Lomelin 1:03:56

3M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

Sara Lomelin is a philanthropy disruptor and the founding CEO of Philanthropy Together, a global movement advancing collective giving. She’s the creator of the Latino Giving Circle Network, the largest network of Latinx philanthropists in the U.S., and a TED speaker recognized on Forbes’ 50 Over 50: Impact List. Sara is passionate about shifting po…

1
Be Ready: A Conversation with Sharise Harrison 1:16:24

4M ago1:16:24

1:16:24

Sharise Harrison is the Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services and Prospect Management at California State University-Sacramento. A leader in philanthropy and data equity, she’s spent over a decade redefining how nonprofits approach prospect research to reduce bias and build more inclusive fundraising practices. Sharise also serves as Pre…

1
"Who Can I Help Today?": A Conversation with Natalie Silverstein 1:05:16

4M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

Natalie Silverstein is an author, speaker, and podcast host whose work is all about inspiring kindness and service in families and teens. Natalie is the founder of the New York affiliate of Doing Good Together and the host of the award-winning podcast Simple Acts, Big Impact: Celebrating Teen Changemakers, where she highlights incredible stories of…

1
The Most Basic Cure for Everything: A Conversation with Heidi Johnson 50:51

4M ago50:51

50:51

Heidi Johnson is a nonprofit founder, storyteller, and the creator of Charity Matters, a platform and podcast highlighting everyday heroes who make the world better through service. After a personal tragedy in 2002, Heidi founded the Spiritual Care Guild at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which became a national model for pediatric chaplaincy. Tod…

1
Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Mind: A Conversation with Payton McGriff, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 37:07

4M ago37:07

37:07

Payton McGriff is the founder and CEO of Style Her Empowered (SHE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls and women in Togo through education, employment, and innovation. Established in 2017 as a class project, SHE has grown into an international organization, providing over 1,500 girls with free uniforms, school fees, and resource…

1
The Kids Still Need Us: A Conversation with Rachel Rutter, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 36:16

5M ago36:16

36:16

In this episode, we speak with Rachel Rutter, founder and executive director of Project Libertad, a nonprofit that supports unaccompanied immigrant youth with free legal representation, essential services, and newcomer programs. An immigration lawyer and passionate advocate, Rachel has been recognized as one of the Top Five CNN Heroes of 2024 for h…

1
Reversing the Narrative: A Conversation with Yamilée Toussaint, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 40:50

6M ago40:50

40:50

Yamilée Toussaint is the founder and CEO of STEM From Dance, a trailblazing nonprofit that inspires girls from underrepresented communities to pursue STEM careers by merging the creativity of dance with the power of technology. An MIT graduate and former Teach for America educator, Yamilee has been recognized as a thought leader in reimagining STEM…

1
Moonshot: A Conversation with Bill Littlejohn 1:18:03

6M ago1:18:03

1:18:03

Bill Littlejohn is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare philanthropy. As Senior Vice President and CEO of the Foundations of Sharp HealthCare, he has driven initiatives raising more than $300 million and spearheaded Sharp's $2 billion ENVISION campaign to transform healthcare in San Diego. A former AHP Chair and Si Seymour Award recipient, …

1
Unconditional Love: A Conversation with Stephen Knight, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 25:28

6M ago25:28

25:28

Stephen Knight is one of the top five CNN Heroes of 2024 and the founder of Dogs Matter, a nonprofit organization that has provided foster care for over 1,200 pets belonging to individuals in substance abuse recovery. Inspired by his journey of overcoming addiction and the transformative bond with his rescue dog Jayde, Knight has created a program …

1
A Refuge in Music: A Conversation with Ron Davis Alvarez, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 32:26

6M ago32:26

32:26

Ron Davis Alvarez is Founder of the Dream Orchestra in Gothenburg, Sweden and one of 2024's Top Five CNN Heroes. Since 2016, Ron has brought together refugees, immigrants, and locals, speaking in over 20 languages, to create music and build community. His work shows how people can rebuild lives and connect across cultures.…

1
We Believe: A Conversation with Don Williams 59:46

9M ago59:46

59:46

The U.S. has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world with approximately 1.9 million people in federal and state prisons and local jails. 95% of those incarcerated today will be released but 70$ are likely to return to the system. However, for participants in Jumpstart, an innovative organization in South Carolina, the recidivism rate is…

1
Superpowered: A Conversation with Devin Thorpe 46:26

10M ago46:26

46:26

Devin Thorpe is a best-selling author, new media journalist, and champion of social good. His show, Superpowers for Good, has featured over 1,200 influential guests and his articles and books, including "Crowdfunding For Social Good," have reached millions of readers around the world. In this episode, we discuss his journey from high finance to soc…

1
Becoming More, Not Less, Human: A Conversation with Allison Fine 56:56

10M ago56:56

56:56

Allison Fine is a successful entrepreneur, futurist, and author of several award-winning books, including Momentum, Matterness, The Networked Nonprofit, and The Smart Nonprofit. She founded and ran nonprofit organizations, led nonprofit boards, served in elective office, and recently ran for Congress. In this episode, we discuss her work in politic…

1
The Single Most Important Thing: A Conversation with Anthony Cernera 1:04:30

11M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Anthony Cernera is dedicated to understanding how humans learn, grow, heal, and change. A three-time living organ donor, public speaker, consultant, researcher, and psychotherapist, Anthony has also led high-performing development teams for over sixteen years, managing campaigns from $25 million to $600 million. When not helping others, he voluntee…

1
A Dangerous Era: A Conversation with Paul Clolery 53:36

12M ago53:36

53:36

In this episode, we speak with Paul Clolery, Vice President and Editorial Director of NPT Publishing Group and The Nonprofit Times, the leading publication for America's charitable sector. A lifelong journalist, Paul began his career on his high school and college papers, then worked at leading papers like the Fort Worth Star Telegram and later as …

1
Of A Lifetime: A Conversation with Ken Phillips 48:44

12M ago48:44

48:44

Ken Phillips was named Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2024, the organization's highest honor. Since his career began in 1961, ken has served in leadership roles at the Institute for International Education, Save the Children, and Plan International, where he revolutionized marketing and donor…

1
Tinkerer: A Conversation with Ryan Zapolski 24:26

1y ago24:26

24:26

In this episode, we speak with Ryan Zapolski, one of four individuals honored with the Outstanding Young Professional Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2024. Ryan serves as Senior Manager of Development at Smile Train, a nonprofit dedicated to comprehensive cleft care now celebrating its 25th anniversary. There, he oversees t…

1
Fulfilled: A Conversation with Stacey Buckner, a 2023 Top Ten CNN Hero 39:26

1y ago39:26

39:26

In this episode, we speak with Stacey Buckner, one of the Top Ten CNN Heroes of 2023 and recipient of the North Carolina Governor's Medallion Award. After surviving a nearly fatal stroke and traumatic brain injury, Stacey turned her journey of recovery into a mission to serve others. She founded Off-Road Outreach, an organization which provides mea…

1
A Responsibility To Help: A Conversation with William Cabaniss 22:01

1y ago22:01

22:01

In this episode, we speak with William Cabaniss, a high school student from Knoxville, Tennessee, and founder of Vanilla Feeds Tomorrow, recipient of the 2024 William R. Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, sponsored by Carter through the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy. Recognized for his dedication to combating hunger and food insec…

1
The Fourth Wave: A Conversation with Lois Buntz 34:18

1y ago34:18

34:18

Lois Buntz is the author of "Generosity and Gender: Philanthropic Models for Women Donors and the Fund Development Professionals Who Support Them," recipient of the prestigious AFP/Skystone Partners Prize. A career veteran who has served on over 20 boards, raised more than $125 million, and been the first woman to serve as CEO of United Way of East…

1
If You Ask, The Community Will Come: A Conversation with Dimetri O'Brien 30:33

1y ago30:33

30:33

In this episode, we speak with Dimetri O'Brien, Development and Communications Manager at New Endeavors by Women and a recipient of the Outstanding Young Professionals Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Dimetri has raised significant sums across several roles and organizations, including over $250,000 for HIV/AIDS Programs, up…

1
Personal Ties: A Conversation with Santana Febrey 37:29

1y ago37:29

37:29

Santana Febrey is one of four individuals honored with the Outstanding Young Professional Award by the Association for Fundraising Professionals in 2024. Santana serves as Development Officer at Autism Edmonton where she has spearheaded the organization's first fund development strategic plan and been instrumental in building partnerships leading t…

1
Heart Before Head: A Conversation with Madeleine Durante 30:19

1y ago30:19

30:19

Madeleine Durante is one of four individuals honored with the Outstandig Young Professional Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2024. Madeleine serves as Director for Donor Retention and Direct Response at MoveOn with responsibility for maintaining relationships with over 100,000 of the organization's grassroots sustainers. She…

1
One Person At A Time: A Conversation with Pamela R. Clay of Living Advantage Inc. 35:07

1y ago35:07

35:07

Pamela R. Clay has been at the helm of Living Advantage Inc. for nearly three decades, working tirelessly to uplift at-risk youth in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Building on her mother's legacy, she has broadened the nonprofit's scope, enhancing education, technology, access, and career readiness to disrupt cycles of adversity. As the number an…

1
The Choice: A Conversation with Betsy Chapin Taylor 39:29

1+ y ago39:29

39:29

Betsy Chapin Taylor, Founder and CEO of Accordant, is one of healthcare philanthropy's most provocative and influential thought leaders. An award-winning author, speaker, and consultant, she is a Fellow of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy and a recipient of the prestigious Si Seymour Award. She is also an advocate for the sector who spea…

1
Gender Immigrant: A Conversation with Gayle Roberts 41:30

1+ y ago41:30

41:30

Gayle Roberts is a seasoned fundraiser whose journey began at the age of six with a backyard carnival. Now, as Chief Development Officer at Larkin Street Youth Services, she's raised over $200 million to combat youth homelessness and support other good causes in San Francisco. A respected figure, Gayle is not only a leader in nonprofit fundraising …

1
The Dash: A Conversation with Ken Miller 54:59

1+ y ago54:59

54:59

Ken Miller's story is one of personal transformation and professional achievement. After a battle with addiction and a period of incarceration in the Lower 48, he returned to Alaska to remake his life, marrying his high school sweetheart and embarking on a career in the nonprofit sector. He served as the director of development for Bean's Café and …

1
The Best Gift: A Conversation with Randall Hallett 1:08:41

1+ y ago1:08:41

1:08:41

Randall Hallett is a person who makes things happen. Over the last three decades he has led major healthcare and independent school development programs, presided over a major healthcare fundraising consultancy, and, most recently, founded the influential practice that bears his name, Hallett Philanthropy. Insatiably curious, he first earned his Ba…

1
Team Change: A Conversation with Robert Egger 53:02

1+ y ago53:02

53:02

Robert Egger is a visionary in the nonprofit sector. He pioneered the "community kitchen" movement with DC Central Kitchen, turning donated food into both meals and opportunities through a revolutionary job training program. His initiatives, including founding board membership at World Central Kitchen with Chef José Andrés, have produced over 350 m…

1
The Lungs of the World: A Conversation with Michael Goldberg, a 2023 Top Ten CNN Hero 30:16

1+ y ago30:16

30:16

In this episode, we speak with Michael Goldberg, Co-founder of I.CARE and one of the Top Ten CNN Heroes of 2023. Since 2018, he and his organization have organized coral restoration dives for more than 2,000 people and transplanted over 10,000 coral, both educating the public to the need for ocean restoration and working to bring back to life the l…

1
Disruptor: A Conversation with Yasmine Arrington Brooks, a 2023 Top Ten CNN Hero 1:07:34

1+ y ago1:07:34

1:07:34

In this episode, we speak with Yasmine Arrington Brooks, Founder of ScholarCHIPS and one of the Top Ten CNN Heroes of 2023. Since 2010, her organization has provided renewable scholarships, book awards, and mentoring to college-bound youth with incarcerated parents. We learn about her discovery, at age 15, that there were no scholarships dedicated …

1
Opportunities for Meaning: A Conversation with Adam Pearce, a 2023 Top Ten CNN Hero 27:12

1+ y ago27:12

27:12

In this episode, we speak with Adam Pearce, Co-founder of the LoveYourBrain Foundation and one of the Top Ten CNN Heroes of 2023. Since 2014, LoveYourBrain has served and trained more than 35,000 individuals in 31 countries affected by traumatic brain injury through free in-person and online programs. We speak with Adam about the injury that sparke…

1
House Calls: A Conversation with Osei Boateng, a 2023 Top Ten CNN Hero 46:39

1+ y ago46:39

46:39

Osei Boateng, Executive Director of OKB Hope Foundation, is on of the Top Ten CNN Heroes of 2023. Since February of 2022, OKB has brought mobile healthcare screening and services to over 5,000 people in 52 rural communities across Ghana. In this episode, we learn what inspired his work and what he envisions for the future.…

1
One Kindness at a Time: A Conversation with Jennifer Li Dotson 1:16:01

1+ y ago1:16:01

1:16:01

Jennifer Li Dotson is a veteran fundraising leader whose extraordinary work is only eclipsed by a personal journey that has taken her from an emergency landing in Hawaii to a near-death experience on Mount Everest and virtually everywhere in between. in our conversation, she recounts the many volunteers, teachers, friends, mentors, and organization…

1
Don’t Ask, Don’t Get: A Conversation with Brian Saber 1:07:16

1+ y ago1:07:16

1:07:16

In this episode, we speak with Brian Saber, author, President of Asking Matters, and a veteran fundraiser with nearly four decades in the field. In his recently released fourth book, Fundraising for Introverts, Brian challenges the myth that it takes an extrovert to generate revenue for a good cause. We talk about his journey, the significance of c…

1
Planting Seeds of Change: A Conversation with TiffanyYu of Diversability 51:55

1+ y ago51:55

51:55

In this episode, we speak with Tiffany Yu, CEO & Founder of Diversability, an award-winning entirely disabled-run and led social enterprise to elevate disability pride, and a content creator with 200k+ followers across platforms. She is a 3x TEDx speaker and has been named a TikTok API (Asian & Pacific Islander) Trailblazer, a LinkedIn Top Voice in…

1
Apra Unplugged: Leaders on Today’s Data-Driven Philanthropy 40:22

1+ y ago40:22

40:22

Formed in 1988, Apra is the premier organization for professionals who strategically harness information and data to drive fundraising for philanthropic institutions. At this year's international gathering, Apra Prospect Development 2023, we pulled together four of the field's leading voices--Carrick Davis, Rodger Devine, Lindsey Nadeau, and Meliss…

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