The Art of Good

The Science of Doing Good w. Brad Calhoun

In this episode of The Art of Good, I sit down with Brad Calhoun, a man whose life journey has spanned acting, ministry, academia, and now psychology. Brad shares his fascinating story—growing up in a family deeply rooted in service, navigating careers in film, faith, and education, and his ongoing pursuit of a PhD in psychology. Together, we explore the science behind doing good—why acts of kindness and service positively impact both the giver and the receiver, and how behavioral psychology supports the idea that giving is essential for well-being.  00:00 Introduction and Mission 00:18 Meet Brad Calhoun 01:49 Brad's Upbringing and Family Values 05:33 College and Career Path 10:17 The Intersection of Faith and Acting 14:20 The Science of Doing Good 19:47 Behavior and Cognitive Therapy 23:27 Encouraging the Next Generation 36:40 The Importance of Mental Health 40:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow John Cervenka on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/johncervenka Check out John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-cervenka-32615413/ Follow Brad on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/P3flvIvVq6Ul9CHoba5sAztRsDh2 Are you a non-profit that wants to connect with current supporters, amplify your marketing efforts, and attract new supporters and new donors to your cause? Check out starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/  What to start your philanthropic journey? Find, connect, and support the causes that mean the most to you with Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/

The Power of Lived Experience w. Brian Ulf

Want to start your philanthropic journey? Find, connect, and support the causes that mean the most to you with Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/  "You can’t just put someone in housing and expect them to get better. They need community, support, and purpose." Today, we have an incredible conversation lined up with my good friend Brian Ulf. Brian is the CEO of SHARE!, the Self-Help and Recovery Exchange, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing and self-help support for people in need. But before taking on this role, Brian was one of Los Angeles’ top commercial real estate brokers. During our conversation, Brian shares his personal story of growing up in a high-pressure environment, struggling with addiction, and ultimately finding recovery. He talks about his passion for helping others, the importance of self-help, and how SHARE! is making a real impact by providing immediate housing and peer support. If you're looking for an insightful conversation on transformation, leadership, and making a difference, this is the episode for you. 00:00 Introduction 00:47 Meet Brian Ulf 07:25 Struggles and Turning Points 09:08 Brian's Involvement in Nonprofits 14:26 Transition to CEO of SHARE! 19:47 The Mission and Impact of SHARE! 26:23 Building Social Connections Through Shared Activities 27:03 Promoting Self-Help and Support Groups 27:55 Collaborative Housing and Its Impact 28:31 Challenges and Adaptability in Nonprofit Work 30:16 Understanding and Leading with Empathy 35:56 Funding Streams and Strategic Pivoting 38:01 Highlighting Other Nonprofits 42:28 Support During Disasters 44:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Connect with the causes that mean the most to Brian:  Homeboy Industries: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-4800735 West Coast Care: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/20-5340904  Follow John Cervenka on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/johncervenka Check out John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-cervenka-32615413/ Follow SHARE! On Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-6092809-1 Check out SHARE! on: https://shareselfhelp.org/ Are you a non-profit that wants to connect with current supporters, amplify your marketing efforts, and attract new supporters and new donors to your cause? Check out starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/

Branding for Nonprofits w. RJ Murray

Want to start your philanthropic journey? Find, connect, and support the causes that mean the most to you with Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/ [https://www.starfishapp.com/] Branding is more than a logo – It’s about awareness, perceived quality, associations, loyalty, and a clear value proposition. In this episode of The Art of Good, I have an incredible conversation with entrepreneur, philanthropist, and branding expert RJ Murray. RJ shares why branding is much more than just a logo and how nonprofits can leverage brand strategy to elevate their mission. Whether you’re leading an organization, sitting on a board, or simply passionate about making a difference, RJ’s insights will help you improve your communication strategies.  00:00 Welcome 00:30 Guest Introduction: R.J. Murray 01:26 R.J.'s Background and Family Influence 04:53 College Years and Early Career 07:21 Acquiring and Running Murray Brand Communications 09:16 Branding Essentials for Nonprofits 19:08 Key Questions for Nonprofit Leaders 29:31 Importance of Social Media in Branding 33:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with the causes that mean the most to RJ:  Salvation Army: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/94-1156347 [https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/94-1156347] American Red Cross: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/53-0196605 [https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/53-0196605]  St. Jude Memorial Foundation: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-3607229 [https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-3607229]  Follow John Cervenka on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/johncervenka Check out John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-cervenka-32615413/ Follow Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-1648180 Check out RJ on: https://murraybrand.com/ Are you a non-profit that wants to connect with current supporters, amplify your marketing efforts, and attract new supporters and new donors to your cause? Check out starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/

Planting Seeds of Hope w. Ronnetta Johnson

Want to start your philanthropic journey? Find, connect, and support the causes that mean the most to you with Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/  In this episode of The Art of Good, I’m thrilled to sit down with Ronnetta Johnson, CEO of Waymakers, a transformative nonprofit based in Orange County, California. With decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Ronnetta has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families overcome challenges, find hope, and build better futures. Our conversation spans Ronnetta’s inspiring journey—from growing up in the Rocky Mountains and discovering her passion for service to her current role leading a 368-member team at Waymakers. Ronnetta shares insights about the power of community, the importance of personalized support, and how nonprofits can embrace change and technology to amplify their impact. 00:00 Introduction and Mission Statement 00:21 Meet Ronnetta Johnson: CEO of Waymakers 02:57 Early Career and Inspiration 04:36 Joining Waymakers and Career Growth 09:18 Waymakers' Mission and Impact 16:41 Challenges and Leadership Insights 28:59 The Importance of Technology and Community Support 34:07 Conclusion and Call to Action Connect with the causes that matter most to Ronnetta: Fieldstone Leadership Network: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/33-0103025 [https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/33-0103025]  OneOC: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-2021700 [https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-2021700]  Follow John Cervenka on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/johncervenka Check out John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-cervenka-32615413/ Follow Ronnetta on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-3167866 Check out Ronnetta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnetta-johnson-82aba98/ Are you a non-profit that wants to connect with current supporters, amplify your marketing efforts, and attract new supporters and new donors to your cause? Check out starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/

Revolutionary Stewardship at Berkeley w. Rich Lyons

Want to start your philanthropic journey? Find, connect, and support the causes that mean the most to you with Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/  There’s power in loving what you do. In this episode of The Art of Good, I have the honor of sitting down with Rich Lyons, the Chancellor of UC Berkeley. Rich is an economist, an academic, a musician, a father—and above all, a visionary. From his early days growing up in Los Altos to his groundbreaking work shaping the culture at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Rich shares insights about leadership, resilience, and how UC Berkeley fosters resourcefulness, and a sense of agency in its students. His reflections on “confidence without attitude” and “questioning the status quo” show why Berkeley stands out as an institution. 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Meet Rich Lyons 07:17 Returning to Berkeley: A Dream Come True 09:07 The Unique Culture of Haas School of Business 12:53 Berkeley's Commitment to Free Speech 15:00 Institutional Neutrality and Reinvention in Education 23:21 The Importance of Optimism and Empathy 26:38 Balancing Leadership and Presence 33:15 Embracing Technology in Nonprofits 35:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow John Cervenka on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/johncervenka Check out John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-cervenka-32615413/ Check out Rich on: https://haas.berkeley.edu/faculty/lyons-richard/ [https://haas.berkeley.edu/faculty/lyons-richard/] Are you a non-profit that wants to connect with current supporters, amplify your marketing efforts, and attract new supporters and new donors to your cause? Check out starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/