Good Nonsense

Building Empathy Muscle — with Michael Le

Attorney-turned-nonprofiteer Michael Le is a delightful human. The kind you simply enjoy getting to know. The kind who believes in building “empathy muscle” by planting himself in the mission work… whether or not that work appears on his job description, which we talked about, and more. Along the way we dive into — * Taking big swings in our nonprofit work * Smashing nonprofit complacency by dreaming * The power of executives checking in on one another * And one wish Michael would make to improve the social sector It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at hello@goodnonsense.org [hello@goodnonsense.org]! Mentioned on this episode: Social Impact Staff Retention project [https://www.thenonprofiteers.com/sisr] PDS Health Foundation’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pdsfoundation/] Michael’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-le-61579b63] The ProImpact Project [https://www.proimpact.org/about] (connecting executive directors)

Strategy, Change, and Teal Pumpkins — with Veronica LaFemina

Ever since Tasha and Evan learned about Veronica LaFemina [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlafemina]’s concept of a one-page strategic plan, they were hooked. Years later, it’s been exciting following along as she advises nonprofits on addressing vacancies, siloes, and collective success. On this episode we talked about all of it. Along the way we dive into — * Being a teenage peer mediator * Making Halloween accessible for more kids * The practical power of “I” instead of “we” statements * Vacancy rates and how they can tank your org’s mission * And one wish Veronica would make to improve the social sector It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at hello@goodnonsense.org [hello@goodnonsense.org]! Mentioned on this episode: The Teal Pumpkin Project [https://www.cnn.com/2014/10/13/health/halloween-safety-food-allergies] Tether for really great nonprofit resources [https://www.thenonprofiteers.com/tether] Veronica’s thoughts on nonprofit vacancy rates [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/vlafemina_nonprofit-leadership-management-activity-7043944372534472704-yDhD/]

Going Beyond Elections to Reimagine Democracy — with Sam Reusch

Nonprofiteers may not think of “democracy work” as nonprofit work, but it absolutely is. On this episode, Apathy is Boring’s executive director Sam Reusch talks about how democracy is an ongoing conversation—one that helps us decide what type of country, province, or community we want. Along the way we dive into — * Redefining democracy beyond elections * Why apathy isn’t indifference, it’s disconnection * How nontraditional work can create nonprofit leaders * And one wish Sam would make to improve the social sector It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at hello@goodnonsense.org [hello@goodnonsense.org]! Mentioned on this episode: Apathy is Boring [https://www.apathyisboring.com/about_us] Sam’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-reusch-83401999]

A totally and completely serious nonprofit meditation—with Evan Wildstein

Nonprofiteers, as we enter the fun of year-end mishegoss, we know you need a moment to pause, reflect, and smell the bagels. Join us for this brief, five-minute meditation to find your center. With love, Tasha & Evan

Being Curious, Empathetic, Affirming, and Helpful — with Tim Parsons

We were delighted to be Tim Parsons’ first-ever podcast, and what a deep conversation it was. From Dungeons & Dragons to empathy to disorienting dilemmas and beyond, Tim showed us why having different people in the room allows us to do big things. Along the way we dived into — * Why our work requires idealists, realists, AND practical-ists * Moving people along the journey of transformative volunteering * Putting people outside their comfort zones to build real connection * One wish Tim would make to improve the social sector It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at hello@goodnonsense.org [hello@goodnonsense.org]! Mentioned on this episode: Idealist.org [http://Idealist.org] Realized Worth [https://www.realizedworth.com/] Social Impact Supper Club (New York) [https://www.idealist.org/en/community/10eeaba7c9414aeaae39b754b24e664a-social-impact-supper-club-new-york]