Gospel-driven conversations on hope in the heartache, where two child-loss mamas discuss suffering and sanctification. No matter what shape your suffering takes, we invite you to join us in authentic conversation as we navigate through the trials of this life, keeping our eyes fixed on the hope of heaven.
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Kristin Hernandez Podcasts
The Hope Mommies Podcast exists to bring the hope of Christ to bereaved mothers and families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a baby. In each episode, we will navigate the complexities of grief and discover the transformative power of remaining anchored to the Hope of Jesus Christ. In Him, we find an unshakable hope that comforts, encourages, and helps us survive pregnancy and infant loss. Join us as we explore various topics related to sorrow, faith, and finding hope in the mi ...
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The Fundraising Elevator: where we’re all headed up. Samantha Swaim and Kristin Steele are using their decades of fundraising, event strategy and storytelling experience to help you change the world at your next event. Listen to conversations with industry leaders for insights and tools you can use to connect more people to your mission. New episodes drop every Wednesday.
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Episode #80 | Now What? A Fundraising Call to Action with Steven Screen
53:00
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53:00In this episode Steven Screen, co-founder of Better Fundraising Company and inventor of the "Ask, Thank, Report, Repeat" fundraising rhythm, talks about how nonprofits can navigate the current period of uncertainty affecting fundraising efforts. Today's landscape varies significantly across organizations. Some nonprofits face severe government fund…
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Episode 44: Holding Joy and Grief Together: Finding Comfort in God and Community After Twin Loss with Erin Thibodeaux
56:53
56:53
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56:53Joy and grief often walk hand in hand for Hope Moms. In this episode, Erin Thibodeaux joins Kristin Hernandez to share her motherhood journey—the excitement of expecting twins and the devastating loss of her daughter, Adalyn Layne, who lived just 26 days. Together, they talk about the complexities of grieving one child while raising another, the un…
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Episode #79 | Experiential Design with Ariel Ruiz
1:03:11
1:03:11
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1:03:11In this episode, theme park designer Ariel Ruiz shares her expertise in experiential design. The conversation reveals how Ariel’s background creating immersive rides translates to nonprofit events, where she approaches spaces as storytelling opportunities rather than mere venues. She explains that effective experiences are built around a clear narr…
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Episode #78 | Event Sponsorship with Mariah Monique
1:10:25
1:10:25
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1:10:25In this episode Mariah Monique of The Sponsorship Catalyst shares her expertise on nonprofit sponsorship strategies. Drawing from her experience on both sides of sponsorship relationships, Mariah brings great insight and strategy to event sponsorship. Despite economic uncertainties, sponsorship budgets are growing as companies recognize the value o…
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Episode #76 | Golf Fundraising with Dale Johannes
43:56
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43:56In this episode with fundraising expert Dale Johannes of DC Auctions, we explore the recent resurgence of golf tournaments as effective fundraising vehicles. The conversation covers creative on-course fundraising strategies—from trivia contests sharing mission facts to "closest to the keg" competitions—that generate revenue throughout the day while…
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Episode 43: Held by God - Finding rest in God’s goodness amid the Grief of Miscarriage with Abbey Wedgeworth
59:54
59:54
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59:54In this tender and theologically rich episode, host Kristin Hernandez is joined by author Abbey Wedgworth to talk about miscarriage, grief, and the unshakable hope we have in Christ. Abbey shares about losing her second baby, the emotional and spiritual wrestling that followed, and how the Lord met her in the midst of her pain. Kristin and Abbey di…
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Episode #77 | Increasing Board Involvement with Sabrina Walker Hernandez
1:14:22
1:14:22
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1:14:22In this episode we talk to Sabrina Walker Hernandez who brings over 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience to a conversation about effective board engagement. We look at the core functions of boards and Sabrina walks through the importance of transparency during recruitment, comprehensive onboarding led by existing board members, and implement…
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Episode 42: How Do You Respond? A grieving mother's guide to baby showers, awkward questions and unsolicited advice with Brooke Schuelke, Jennie Parks, and Kristin Hernandez
1:02:44
1:02:44
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1:02:44How do you respond when someone asks how many kids you have? Or when a baby shower invite arrives in your inbox? What about the medical advice you didn’t ask for or the pressure to "move on"? In this episode, Brooke Schuelke, Jennie Parks, and Kristin Hernandez share personal stories and practical wisdom for navigating the often uncomfortable and u…
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Episode #75 | Understanding AI for Fundraising with Anne Murphy
1:22:55
1:22:55
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1:22:55In this episode we welcome Anne Murphy, founder of She Leads AI and Empowered Fundraiser Consulting and Coaching, to help nonprofits understand how to leverage artificial intelligence effectively and ethically. We explore: Making AI Work for Nonprofits: Anne explains why the social sector is uniquely positioned to guide AI adoption responsibly and …
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Episode #74 | Mentorship + Equity in Nonprofit Fundraising with Birgit Smith Burton
54:22
54:22
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54:22What does the future of nonprofit fundraising leadership look like—and who’s shaping it? In this episode, we’re joined by Birgit Smith Burton, a nationally respected voice in fundraising and equity. As the founder of the African American Development Officers Network (AADO) and the first Black woman to chair the global board of the Association of Fu…
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Episode 41: Resurrected Hope with Rachel Lohman - Walking through Holy Week as a Grieving Mom
45:20
45:20
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45:20Rachel Lohman, author of Miscarried Hope, guides listeners through the events of Holy Week, drawing parallels between a grieving mother’s emotions and the emotions experienced by Jesus’ disciples. She explains how the stages of expectation, shock, despair, grief, and hope mirror the disciples’ journey with Jesus from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sun…
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Episode #73 | Easy Auctions with Jason Allen Champion
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52:28
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52:28In this episode we talk to Jason Allen Champion, Vice President of National Partnerships for Winspire, to discuss how consignment auctions can be a strategic tool for nonprofit fundraising. Consignment auctions offer nonprofits a low-risk way to enhance fundraising efforts while creating memorable donor experiences that reinforce organizational mis…
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Episode #72 | Creating Psychological Safety with Ian Adair
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57:37
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57:37In this episode mental health advocate and nonprofit executive Ian Adair discusses psychological safety in nonprofit workplaces. Ian shares practical strategies for creating safer environments, including modeling vulnerability as a leader, encouraging risk-taking, providing constructive feedback, and recognizing contributions. He extends these prin…
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Episode 40: Friendship After the Loss of a Baby with Jennie Parks & Kristin Hernandez
1:05:52
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1:05:52Friendship after the loss of a baby can feel complicated. In this episode, Kristin Hernandez and Jennie Parks discuss how grief can reshape relationships—deepening some while straining others. They reflect on how their expectations of friendship changed after loss, things they would have done differently, the emotional labor of maintaining connecti…
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Episode #71 | Evolving Strategy with Bradley Martin
1:08:02
1:08:02
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1:08:02In this episode we join Bradley Martin, VP of Growth Marketing at Feathr—a digital marketing platform—to talk about the larger nonprofit landscape and how to respond to the changes taking place. Bradley shares his expertise on leveraging digital marketing strategies to accelerate fundraising efforts. We cover shifting donor demographics, how nonpro…
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Episode 39: Abide Pt 4 - The Joy of Abiding in Christ’s Love - Retreat Session 4
32:57
32:57
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32:57Whether you attended this year’s retreat or couldn’t join us in person, we invite you to revisit all four teaching sessions with us. This episode is the final installment in our four-part teaching series on John 15:1-9 and features a re-recording of Session 4 from the 2025 Hope Mommies Retreat. In this session, Kristin Hernandez shares about the jo…
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Episode 38: Abide Pt 3 - How do we reconcile verses like John 15:7 with seemingly unanswered prayer? - Retreat Session 3
40:06
40:06
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40:06Whether you attended this year’s retreat or couldn’t join us in person, we invite you to revisit all four teaching sessions with us. This episode is the third installment in our four-part teaching series on John 15:1-9 and features a re-recording of Session 3 from the 2025 Hope Mommies Retreat. In this session, Kristin Hernandez explores the contex…
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Episode #70 | Create Meaning Through Story with Kristin Steele
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44:38Recorded live at the 2025 Elevate Conference, podcast host Kristin Steele presents a keynote on creating meaning for donors at your event. Stories are told in our event marketing, our event program, and even in our event design. They give our gathering intention and are the quickest path to connection, community building, and donor development. We’…
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Episode 37: Abide Pt 2 - Pruning, Purpose, and Abiding in God’s Word as a grieving mom - Retreat Session 2
41:27
41:27
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41:27Welcome to the second installment of our four-part teaching series on John 15:1-9. This episode contains a re-record of the complete audio from Session 2 of our 2025 Hope Mommies Retreat. Kristin Hernandez explores how pruning–an often uncomfortable process–can lead to spiritual growth and fruitfulness. We dive into how God’s Word prunes and cleans…
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Episode 36: Abide Pt 1- Kristin’s Story & Finding Rest in Abiding in Jesus, the True Vine - Retreat Session 1
46:32
46:32
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46:32Welcome to the first installment of our four-part teaching series on John 15:1-9. This episode contains a re-record of the complete audio from Session 1 of our 2025 Hope Mommies Retreat. Kristin Hernandez shares about the context and setting in which Jesus spoke the words of John 15, while also telling her own personal story of loss and striving fo…
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Episode #69 | The Equastory™ Framework with Diana Farias Heinrich
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42:02Recorded live at the 2025 Elevate Conference, hosts Samantha Swaim and Kristin Steele moderate a powerful conversation with guest Diana Farias Heinrich, creator of the Equastory™ framework to address how to be equitable, thoughtful, and careful when we are sharing our nonprofit stories. Diana actively safeguards equality, respect, and dignity in no…
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Episode#67 | ENCORE | Say the Magic Words with Frank Velásquez Jr.
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50:27
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50:27In this episode, we explore the critical shift from deficit-framed language to asset-based language in the nonprofit sector with special guest Frank Velásquez Jr. Leading with deficit often reinforces harmful stereotypes and systemic disparities, negatively impacting both organizations and the communities they serve. By embracing asset-based langua…
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Episode 35: Inheritance of Tears - a Theology of Suffering and the Goodness of God with Jessalyn Hutto
1:03:13
1:03:13
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1:03:13In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, host Kristin Hernandez sits down with Jessalyn Hutto, author of An Inheritance of Tears, to explore the grief of pregnancy loss through the lens of scripture and God’s sovereignty. They discuss the doctrine of the Fall—how it brought physical brokenness into the world—and the hope found in God’s redempti…
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Episode #68 | Radical Hospitality with Kimberly Wilson
52:32
52:32
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52:32In this episode, we welcome Kimberly A.C. Wilson, Executive Director of Hedgebrook, to explore how hybrid events and radical hospitality are transforming fundraising. Hedgebrook, a writing residency for women-identified authors, has evolved its annual event, EQUIVOX, into a powerful hybrid experience that unites a global community of writers, reade…
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Episode #66 | Social Media for Nonprofits Now with Julia Campbell
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53:20
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53:20In this episode, we welcome nonprofit digital strategist and author Julia Campbell to help us navigate the challenges and opportunities of social media. Julia shares insights on how nonprofits can conduct a social media audit, strategically decide where to engage, and avoid burnout while staying connected with their communities. We discuss the risk…
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Episode 34: Where Did TJ Go? Walking with kids through the loss of a sibling with Tatum Green
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46:20
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46:20In this episode, Tatum Green shares the life and legacy of her son, Timothy Jacob “TJ” Green, who was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 and spent 56 miraculous days on earth before going to be with Jesus. Tatum shares about the challenges that arose with guiding her toddler son, Sam, through the diagnosis and loss of his baby brother and about the inspirat…
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Episode #65 | Giving Crisis with Nathan Chappell
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1:02:11In this episode we dive into the shifting landscape of philanthropy with The Generosity Crisis author, Nathan Chappell. As a thought leader and one of the world’s foremost experts on the intersection of artificial intelligence and fundraising, Nathan explores the challenges nonprofits face in an era of declining donor participation and increasing t…
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Episode #64 | Designing an Immersive Experience with Sammy Bliss
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1:00:40In this episode with Sammy Bliss we dive into the magic of live events, storytelling, and experiential marketing. We explore the transformative power of gathering people in a space to experience something unforgettable—whether it’s a theatrical performance, a high-energy DJ set, or a nonprofit fundraising event. For nonprofits, experiential marketi…
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Episode 33: Grieving Together: Marriage after the loss of a child with Chris and Kristin Hernandez
50:51
50:51
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50:51In this episode, Kristin Hernandez sits down with her husband, Chris, to discuss their journey through grief, marriage, and parenting after the loss of their firstborn son, Ethan. They reflect on how they met, their dreams for their family as newlyweds, and the unexpected challenges that arose as they walked through loss and each grieved in differe…
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Episode #63 | Innovation with Cherian Koshy
1:01:32
1:01:32
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1:01:32In this episode, we explore innovation, efficiency, and the balance of human connection in the nonprofit sector with guest Cherian Koshy. As a transformative leader with over 25 years of experience, Cherian offers thought-provoking insights into the future of philanthropy, the role of technology, and how nonprofits can evolve to stay mission-focuse…
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Episode #62 | The State of Fundraising Events for 2025 with Kristin Steele + Samantha Swaim
1:09:47
1:09:47
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1:09:47In this special episode, Sam and Kristin dive into where fundraising events are and offer a top-10 for the ever-evolving landscape in 2025. From the rise of hybrid and virtual events to the importance of mission-centered experiences, this episode covers it all. Discover how emerging technologies, sustainability, and storytelling are reshaping the s…
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Episode 32: Hope and Healing for a Broken Heart with Alyson Brown and Kelsi Cole of Foreknown Ministries
1:00:28
1:00:28
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1:00:28Alyson Brown and Kelsi Cole were already close friends when they faced the unimaginable heartbreak of losing their precious babies, Cora and Whitson, to stillbirth—just two weeks apart. In this episode, Kristin is joined by Alyson and Kelsi of Foreknown Ministries to talk about reconciling God’s goodness with suffering, and whether healing and joy …
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Bonus Q&A with the Hope Mommies Leadership Team: Favorite grief resources, recent Google searches, & more
26:16
26:16
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26:16In this special bonus Q&A episode, we’re answering your listener-submitted questions and covering everything from our favorite grief-related resources to the little joys we're loving right now. Join Kristin Hernandez, Emily Copeland, Sarah Hutchinson, Jennie Parks, Constance Ray, and Brooke Schuelke as we dive into topics ranging from our favorite …
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Episode #60 | Leverage Technology To Boost Fund A Need Success
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54:31
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54:31In this episode Matt Gibson from Greater Giving shares his insights into optimizing the fundraising success of your event’s special appeal through technology. We look at the role of a special appeal/fund a need at your event, some of its regional differences, technology’s role in its success, and how you can enhance donor engagement with recognitio…
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Episode #61 | Fundraising Event Tips with TFE Co.
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1:00:37
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1:00:37In this episode, we’re joined by Mary Elizabeth, Ryan Goodwin, and Jenna Watanabe from The Fundraising Event Co. to explore how intentional planning and communication can elevate your fundraising events into unforgettable experiences of belonging and connection. We explore strategic event planning timelines to optimize execution, guest-centric appr…
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Episode 31: A Year of Hope: Celebrating our podcast's 1st Birthday with a Behind-the-Scenes Look at The Hope Mommies Podcast
57:24
57:24
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57:24We’re celebrating one year of The Hope Mommies Podcast! In this milestone episode, Kristin Hernandez is joined by some of the Hope Mommies Leadership Team to share the story of how the podcast came to be, discuss our favorite episodes so far, and give a behind-the-scenes look at memorable stories and recording mishaps along the way. We also look ah…
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Episode #59 | Event Content Capture with Christine Campbell
46:23
46:23
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46:23In this episode Christine Campbell, the Marketing Manager at The AV Department, dives into strategies for effectively capturing and utilizing content from live events. Hear insights on simple tools and techniques to ensure you maximize the value of your event content. Learn the fundamentals of capturing high-quality content during live events and w…
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Episode #49 | ENCORE | Storytelling as an Organizing Tool with Devin Boss
56:19
56:19
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56:19Happy New Year! While we take a short winter break we are re-running one of our favorite episodes from Season 2 with Devin Boss. In this episode we dive deep into the world of video storytelling for nonprofits with acclaimed documentary and short film creator Devin Boss. Discover how storytelling can transform your nonprofit's mission, inspire acti…
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Episode #45 | ENCORE | Stories that Last Forever with Jen Love
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57:44
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57:44Wishing you a wonderful winter break. As we take some time to rest we offer up one of our favorite episodes from Season 2, an encore of Episode #45 with Jen Love to inspire your planning for the year ahead. Join Jen Love, a renowned fundraising strategist and storyteller, as she delves into the power of planned giving. Jen explains how thoughtful s…
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Episode 30: Christmas Greetings from One Hope Mom to Another
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39:29
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39:29Christmas morning can feel especially painful when you're missing your baby. There’s one less pair of Christmas pajamas to buy, one less pair of eyes lighting up at the sight of gifts beneath the tree. The silence can be deafening. We see you, Hope Mom. We understand the ache of empty arms and a heavy heart. In this special Christmas Day episode, w…
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Episode #58 | Decolonizing Your Fundraising Event with Rachel D’Souza
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35:59We continue our conversation with Rachel D’Souza of Gladiator Consulting, who is a thought leader in community-centric fundraising. In this episode we’re taking a deeper dive into reshaping fundraising events with equity and inclusion at the forefront. Rachel challenges nonprofits to rethink traditions and adopt bold, equity-driven practices. Wheth…
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Episode 29: Hope When the Holidays Feel Hard: A Bereaved Mother’s Guide to Christmas After Loss with Jamie Speegle, Julie Lehman, and Paige Meyer
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1:03:57The holiday season can be especially challenging when you're grieving the loss of your baby. What was once a time of joy and anticipation may now feel overwhelming and painful. In this episode, Kristin is joined by Jamie Speegle, Julie Lehman, and Paige Meyer to share their personal experiences of spending their first Christmas without their Hope B…
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Episode #57 | Community-Centric Fundraising with Rachel D’Souza
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38:18With this episode we launch a special two-part series with Rachel D’Souza, founder of Gladiator Consulting and member of the Community-Centric Fundraising Global Council. We dive in and explore the transformative power of community-centric fundraising—a groundbreaking movement centered on equity, collaboration, and sustainability in the nonprofit s…
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Episode #56 | Design the Perfect Gala Program with Kristin Steele
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1:00:05In this episode our very own storytelling expert Kristin Steele explores the art and impact of storytelling in nonprofit fundraising. Discover how strategic storytelling can connect with donors on an emotional level, making your mission unforgettable and inspiring action at your next fundraising event. Kristin shares essential strategies for crafti…
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Episode 28: Advent Rest after Pregnancy and Infant Loss with Megan Coker
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57:38
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57:38The holidays remind us of all the things we hoped would be different by now. For prayers to be answered, For ultrasounds to bring good news; For wombs and cribs to be filled, For silent nights to be anything but silent, For things to go back to "normal." We can feel worn out from trying to hold on to hope in the aftermath of pregnancy and infant lo…
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Episode #55 | Building Community with Kim Fountain
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57:42
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57:42In this episode, Kim Fountain from the San Diego LGBTQ Community Center discusses the profound importance of creating intentional spaces—both literal and figurative—where individuals can connect, belong, and thrive. Kim delves into the concept of "safe spaces," redefining them as co-created environments of respect, belonging, and creativity, where …
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Episode #54 | Making Bigger Asks with Rhea Wong
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51:15
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51:15In this thought-provoking episode, Rhea Wong, a leading expert in nonprofit fundraising, shares transformative insights on building sustainable donor relationships. Rhea challenges the sector's “acquisition addiction,” emphasizing the costliness of continually replacing donors instead of cultivating those already committed. She also unpacks how sys…
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Episode 27: Waiting In Hope with Jenn Hesse, Kelley Ramsey, and Jaclyn Toscas - Infertility, miscarriage, and finding purpose in seasons of waiting
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1:00:17Waiting can often feel discouraging and isolating. But is there value in these seasons of waiting? What does it mean to wait with hope, and where can we find that hope? In this episode, Kristin Hernandez is joined by Kelley Ramsey, Jen Hesse, and Jaclyn Toscas from Waiting in Hope Infertility Ministries to explore what it truly means to wait in hop…
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Episode #53 | Event Sponsorship with Jo Davis
57:12
57:12
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57:12In this episode Jo Davis from OnPoint Community Credit Union shares invaluable insights on successful nonprofit sponsorship strategies. Jo discusses how OnPoint and similar corporate sponsors approach sponsorships as more than financial transactions—they’re dedicated partnerships. She underscores the importance of authentic relationships and tracki…
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Join us for an audio format of Hope Mommies’ 2024 Annual Review. Losing a baby comes with so many complicated emotions and feelings. Grieving without God is a hopeless pursuit. We want Hope Moms to know their baby’s death is not their fault, it wasn’t a failing of their bodies or a lack of their faith. Our desire is for these women to filter life t…
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