Visual Eyes - Community & Collaboration Podcast

S2 Ep 24 - Peter Leighton on Altruism, Mental Health, and Building a Legacy of Service

What happens when a seasoned business development strategist blends corporate expertise with an unwavering passion for community service? You get Peter Leighton—a visionary professional who has spent over two decades turning altruism into action, and business into a vehicle for deep social impact. In this episode of the Visual Eyes Podcast, host Chris Baker welcomes Peter Leighton, Client Relationships Specialist at Palermo, Landsman & Ross (PLR), for a truly transformative conversation. Peter's path has taken him from the halls of higher education and senior care centers to nonprofit boards and strategic CPA leadership. But behind his professional titles lies a deeply personal story of resilience, gratitude, and service. Listeners will hear how Peter: * Mobilized thousands of college students to engage in hands-on service across the country. * Built a multi-generational knitting project to provide comfort to hospitalized children. * Differentiates between philanthropy and altruism—and why the latter is the future of community engagement. * Turned personal adversity and mental health challenges into fuel for transformation and deeper leadership. * Is helping PLR integrate service into its brand DNA, driving real change across South Florida’s nonprofit ecosystem. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders, community advocates, business owners, and anyone who believes in leading with empathy and leaving a legacy that goes beyond metrics. 🔊 Whether you’re leading an organization or seeking inspiration to give back in your own way, Peter’s story is a powerful reminder that showing up—with heart and intention—matters more than ever. Guest Bio: Peter C. Leighton is the Client Relationships Specialist at Palermo, Landsman & Ross and a 26-year veteran in the fields of business development, adult education, nonprofit leadership, and client advocacy. He has served on boards for Alzheimer’s Association, Impact Broward, and the Broward County Guardianship Association. He is also a mental health advocate and public speaker. 📌 Learn more about PLR: www.plrcpas.com [http://www.plrcpas.com] 📞 Contact Peter: (954) 290-3488 🔗 Connect with him on LinkedIn: Peter C. Leighton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-c-leighton-m-s-ed-56330615/] Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization? Book your Strategy Call [https://app.usemotion.com/meet/vbm-chris-baker/meeting] VISUALS BY MOMO: Phone: (954) 745-7922 Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com [https://www.visualsbymomo.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/ [https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo [https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo [https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo] Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo [https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo] Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo [https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo] Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty [https://www.artography.com] for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

S2 Ep 23 - Tim Davis on Fighting Loneliness Through Theater & Building New City Players

In this compelling episode of the Visual Eyes Podcast, host Chris Baker sits down with Tim Davis, Producing Artistic Director and founder of New City Players, a nonprofit theater company dedicated to building authentic community through transformative storytelling. Tim walks us through his personal journey—from starting out as a passionate actor to becoming an award-winning leader in South Florida’s nonprofit arts space. Learn how his company evolved from a grassroots production team into a beacon of collaboration, belonging, and purpose. This episode dives deep into: * The connection between theater and mental health * Combatting the epidemic of loneliness with live storytelling * How New City Players adapted and grew post-pandemic * Building a sustainable nonprofit with mission alignment * Creating meaningful collaborations in the arts sector * Why mentorship, inclusion, and artistic integrity matter 🎭 Whether you're a nonprofit executive, an artist, or a community leader, Tim's story offers practical inspiration and proven strategies for using the arts as a tool for social healing. 🗣 About the Guest:  Tim Davis is a theatre and film producer, director, and actor. He is the Producing Artistic Director of New City Players, an award-winning Broward-based nonprofit. With over 25 productions since 2014, Tim has received numerous accolades, including the 2017 Silver Palm Award, the 2019 Remy Service Award, and the 2020 Carbonell Award for Best Actor. 📍 Website: https://newcityplayers.org [https://newcityplayers.org] 📷 LinkedIn: Timothy Mark Davis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothymarkdavis] 📧 Email: tim@newcityplayers.org 🎧 Be sure to follow, rate, and share this episode with your network. Let’s continue building communities that thrive—through connection, creativity, and collaboration. 🎙️ Subscribe to the Visual Eyes Podcast for more powerful conversations on leadership, nonprofit strategy, and storytelling for impact. Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization? Book your Strategy Call [https://app.usemotion.com/meet/vbm-chris-baker/meeting] VISUALS BY MOMO: Phone: (954) 745-7922 Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com [https://www.visualsbymomo.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/ [https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo [https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo [https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo] Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo [https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo] Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo [https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo] Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty [https://www.artography.com] for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

S2 Ep 22 - Jason Hughes on How ArtServe Builds Safe, Creative, and Collaborative Communities

In this powerful episode, Jason R. Hughes—CEO of ArtServe and a longtime leader in nonprofit innovation, media, and community advocacy—shares his journey from Atlantic Records to leading one of South Florida’s most dynamic arts organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning journalism, LGBTQ+ media, public broadcasting, and nonprofit strategy, Jason discusses how ArtServe operates as a creative incubator, a safe space, and a collaborative hub for changemakers, artists, and social advocates in Fort Lauderdale. You’ll hear firsthand how ArtServe: * Offers accessible resources to underserved artists and emerging talent * Collaborates with nonprofits like Mission United, Hope South Florida, and even brands like Tito’s Vodka * Tackles community challenges such as mental health, housing instability, and representation * Fosters authentic conversations by putting lived experiences at the center of its programming * Recognizes unsung community heroes through the Impact Awards Gala Jason’s leadership model is both compassionate and data-driven—focused on growth, healing, and storytelling through art. Whether you’re a nonprofit executive, philanthropist, community builder, or cultural strategist, this episode is a masterclass in using the arts to fuel social progress. 🎧 Subscribe and listen in as we uncover what it takes to lead with purpose, build lasting partnerships, and inspire a thriving arts ecosystem. Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization? Book your Strategy Call [https://app.usemotion.com/meet/vbm-chris-baker/meeting] VISUALS BY MOMO: Phone: (954) 745-7922 Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com [https://www.visualsbymomo.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/ [https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo [https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo [https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo] Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo [https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo] Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo [https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo] Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty [https://www.artography.com] for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

S2 Ep 21 - From Plastic Waste to Purpose: Noelia Suarez’s Mission to Heal The Planet

What if cutting up a six-pack ring or planting a milkweed could actually change the world? In this episode of the Visual Eyes Podcast, host Chris Baker sits down with Noelia Suarez, Executive Director of Heal The Planet, to explore how small, daily decisions can spark global environmental change. From her early days as a mentor and international volunteer to launching a sustainable store and teaching mindfulness in Title I schools, Noelia has spent her life turning eco-conscious values into action. You’ll learn how Heal The Planet delivers environmental education through their SEED Program, engages kids with biodiversity lessons (yes, even ladybugs!), and fosters leadership through sustainability. Noelia also shares the nonprofit’s challenges post-COVID, their creative solutions—including digitizing feedback—and why legacy is about empowering youth, not just stats and data. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, educator, policymaker, or eco-curious listener, this conversation will inspire you to lead with intention and recognize the power of one person, one act, one ripple. 🔑 Topics Covered: * The link between personal lifestyle and nonprofit leadership * The truth about plastic pollution and ocean waste * Why biodiversity education matters more than ever * How empowering youth creates a sustainable legacy * The role of community collaboration in lasting impact 🎧 Listen in and be inspired to take the next small step—because change starts with you. 🔗 Learn more at: www.healtheplanet.com [http://www.healtheplanet.com] 📲 Subscribe for weekly episodes on purpose-driven leadership and impact Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization? Book your Strategy Call [https://app.usemotion.com/meet/vbm-chris-baker/meeting] VISUALS BY MOMO: Phone: (954) 745-7922 Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com [https://www.visualsbymomo.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/ [https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo [https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo [https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo] Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo [https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo] Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo [https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo] Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty [https://www.artography.com] for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

S2 Ep 20 - Hope, Healing & Impact: Dustin Forman’s Journey with WestCare The Village South

What happens when a former tennis coach discovers his true calling in community engagement? In this episode of the Visual Eyes Podcast, host Chris Baker sits down with Dustin Forman, Director of Community Engagement at WestCare The Village South, to uncover how behavioral health, family support, and community partnerships are driving transformative change across South Florida. 🎧 From coaching to community care, Dustin shares his deeply personal journey into the nonprofit sector and how his work now centers around building trust, creating impact, and restoring hope for individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges. Listeners will hear about: * WestCare’s one-of-a-kind residential recovery program that allows women to bring all of their children * A new 83,000 sq. ft. crisis stabilization and detox center launching soon in Pembroke Pines * Powerful partnerships with Florida Blue, local banks, and Leadership Broward * How small acts of kindness—like holiday toys and community yoga—leave lifelong impressions * The importance of legacy, joy, and connection in building sustainable nonprofit systems Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, philanthropic investor, behavioral health advocate, or community builder, this episode offers powerful insights into purpose-driven leadership, trauma-informed care, and the human side of recovery. 🔗 Learn more about WestCare The Village South:  Website: https://villagesouth.org [https://villagesouth.org] Contact: 954-477-9349 | Email: dustin.forman@westcare.com Connect with Dustin: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-forman-ms-000a8021] Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization? Book your Strategy Call [https://app.usemotion.com/meet/vbm-chris-baker/meeting] VISUALS BY MOMO: Phone: (954) 745-7922 Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com [https://www.visualsbymomo.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/ [https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo [https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo [https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo] Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo [https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo] Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo [https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo] Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty [https://www.artography.com] for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy