WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS

Support Doing Good: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

For anyone who's ever felt their technical skills weren't "professional enough" to make a difference, Paul Wayne Jackson Jr. — Head IT Instructor with Tech 4 All Tennessee — proves that expertise paired with compassion bridges the digital divide in powerful ways. We explore how basic technology education transforms lives for veterans, disabled individuals, and underserved communities, discover why teaching internet safety alongside computer skills creates life-changing impact, and learn how volunteering can build confidence while serving those who need it most.

Featured Guest: Paul Wayne Jackson Jr. — Head IT Instructor with Tech 4 All Tennessee

What You'll Learn:

✅ Why technology education goes beyond keystrokes—including internet safety and financial literacy that's helped students save hundreds monthly

✅ How Tech 4 All Tennessee serves veterans, disabled individuals, and people who've never touched a computer by meeting them at their level

✅ How volunteering in your professional field builds confidence and compassion while providing resume experience and community impact

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Paul Jackson Jr.

02:14 Transition to Tech For All Tennessee

04:05 Teaching and Curriculum Development

05:11 Understanding Digital Literacy

06:15 Bridging the Digital Divide

07:37 The Importance of Cybersecurity

08:10 Personal Growth Through Volunteering

09:29 Advice for Aspiring Volunteers

10:35 Future Aspirations for Tech For All Tennessee

11:05 Empowering Communities Through Technology Education

11:15 Transforming Barriers into Opportunities

Resources & Mentions: ⁠

Tech 4 All Tennessee
Learn Free (Formerly GCF Global)
TechGoesHome

Support Doing Good:

Website: ⁠Doing Good⁠
Social Media: ⁠All Links⁠
Blog: ⁠Featured Volunteers⁠
Support the show: ⁠Donate Here⁠

Credits:

Produced by Azilee Maetke
Music by Hartzmann
Edited by Jordan Rillera
Additional Editing by Jay Wilson

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS

Support Doing Good: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

For college students navigating financial aid deadlines, mental health challenges, and feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, Dakota — Student Ambassador & Persist Nashville Client shares how personalized coaching transformed her university experience. Dakota demonstrates why one-on-one support creates lasting success for first-generation and underrepresented college students, exploring how trained coaches provide both academic resources and life guidance that traditional counseling doesn't offer.

Featured Guest: Dakota — Student Ambassador & Current Client, Persist Nashville

What You'll Learn:

✅ How Persist Nashville's coaching differs from academic counseling providing holistic life support without always redirecting to school

✅ Dakota's transformation from isolated student to student ambassador representing the entire student body

✅ Why authentic coach relationships matter from FAFSA navigation to preventing burnout through campus involvement

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Persist Nashville

03:03 The Role of Coaches in Student Development

05:09 Dakota's Experience as a Student Ambassador

05:53 The Importance of Student Voices in Decision Making

14:10 Doing Good Outro

Resources & Mentions: ⁠

Persist Nashville⁠ ⁠
Apply as a Student (Open to All College Students - Not Just Nashville Residents)⁠

Connect with Us:

Website: ⁠Doing Good⁠
Social Media: ⁠All Links⁠
Blog: ⁠Featured Volunteers⁠
Support the show: ⁠Donate Here⁠

Credits:

Produced by Azilee Maetke
Music by Hartzmann
Edited by Jordan Rillera
Additional Editing by Jay Wilson

So, for five weeks, I am humbled to offer a short series on volunteering so our podcast editor volunteers can enjoy a well-deserved break.

Even though Katie has terminal cancer, she volunteers at Little Pink Houses of Hope and is living her new normal.

Music from Uppbeat

"Clarity" by Zoo

License code: ULKLLZSLSU8XCRCS

Daisuke was never taught in a way that worked well for him, so he is volunteering with Class Act Detroit to help make education better for the next generation of students.

Music: Uppbeat

License code: ULKLLZSLSU8XCRCS

Jimmy Pitts shares how he and his wife enjoy volunteering with their church, through their work, and with the Boys and Girls Club.

Homelessness affects the LGBTQ+ community more than any other segment of our population. HG Stovall shares his experiences in helping ease that challenge in his city.

Music: Uppbeat

License code: ULKLLZSLSU8XCRCS

Denise Stewart shares the realities of living with mental illness. She talks about her volunteerism as a teacher and coordinator with a mental health non-profit.

Jordan experienced a tragedy at a young age. After beginning a career he realized that he needed to make a shift to volunteering.

Michele Nicholson is a survivor of human trafficking. She talks about how she volunteers with women despite the mental wounds she has from her experience.

Welcome to the Doing Good podcast from Doing Good, the 501c3 nonprofit. We’re “Celebrating those who do good”. In today's episode, Alicia Rye shares as a volunteer how music is a lifeline for seniors.

Bill Crump is a career pilot, veteran, and now a retiree and volunteer. In this podcast episode, Bill shares meaningful and memorable stories from his lifetime of service. He began as a soldier in the United States Navy stationed in San Diego, California, where he volunteered for Wounded Warrior Project and Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego to serve children. Today, he continues his brotherhood with veterans through Operation Stand Down Tennessee and keeps his local park safe and beautiful through Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms of Nashville, Tennessee.

This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv     

Read Bill’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS

Support Doing Good: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

For anyone wondering how volunteer work can reconnect you to your purpose while transforming students' lives, Laurie Brown, CEO of Intrepid College Prep and Board Chair of Persist Nashville, shares why first-generation college students need more than just admission letters to succeed. We explore the critical gap between college access and college completion, discover how professional coaching changes outcomes for MNPS graduates, and learn practical ways busy professionals can find volunteer opportunities that fill their cup.

Featured Guest: Laurie Brown — CEO of Intrepid College Prep & Board Chair of Persist Nashville

What You'll Learn:

✅ Why the first two years of college are make-or-break for first-generation students and how coaching helps them persist

✅ How Persist Nashville's data-driven approach partners with MNPS schools to track student outcomes from senior year through college

✅ How to reframe volunteerism as a two-way investment that fills your cup while serving your community

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lori Brown and Her Journey

03:14 The Importance of Advocacy in Education

06:06 Persist Nashville: Supporting College Access and Persistence

09:00 The Role of a Board Chair in Nonprofit Organizations

12:00 Success Stories and Impact of Volunteerism

14:34 The Value of Micro Moments in Volunteer Work

17:21 Future Aspirations in Volunteerism and Advocacy

30:29 Introduction to Heart Work and Community Impact

30:56 Doing Good Outro 26-Video-Only-V3.mp4

Resources & Mentions: ⁠

Persist Nashville⁠ ⁠
Intrepid College Prep⁠ ⁠
Teach for America Nashville⁠

Connect with Us:

Website: ⁠Doing Good⁠
Social Media: ⁠All Links⁠
Blog: ⁠Featured Volunteers⁠
Support the show: ⁠Donate Here⁠

Credits:

Produced by Azilee Maetke
Music by Hartzmann
Edited by Jordan Rillera
Additional Editing by Jay Wilson

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS

To Support Doing Good: https://bit.ly/DoingGoodDonate

Community First: Participatory Justice in Action

In this episode, Dr. Rolanda Lister and Shawna Clay join host Megan McInnis to explore how community-led solutions are transforming maternal health, housing, and economic mobility in Nashville’s 37208. Dr. Lister shares how her nonprofit, Bloom, supports postpartum mothers through safe housing and healing, while Shawna explains how participatory grantmaking empowers residents and has funded more than 49 grassroots projects. Together, they show what’s possible when a community refuses to let its neighbors fall through the cracks—and chooses to help them bloom.

What You’ll Learn

✅ How homelessness directly impacts maternal and infant health outcomes

✅ How the 37208 Fund identifies community-led projects and funds what matters most

✅ The transformative impact of affordable housing, wraparound services, and economic mobility for mothers

Resources & Mentions

Bloom

37208 Fund

Mending Hearts

Metro Nashville Arts Commission

Connect with Us

Website: Doing Good

Social Media: All Links

Blog: Featured Organization

Support the show: Donate Here

In today's episode, Megan speaks with John Baker. John is an insurance professional who passionately preserves African American history. His lifelong interest is the genealogy of African American families – including those whose ancestors were slaves. He leads by example by volunteering in leadership and hands-on roles for a museum, library, and archives.

This podcast is produced by Doing Good, a 501 nonprofit which celebrates volunteers’ stories in various formats. This new podcast season includes a segment of resources and education about each volunteer’s passion. Doing Good celebrates those who do good!

To learn more about who we are or to get involved, visit us at www.doinggood.tv

For more on John Baker please connect with him here.

In this episode of Doing Good, Carroll Hill discusses her experience volunteering with the National Museum of African American Music.

LaDawn volunteers for her church and for Cray Youth & Family Services. In this episode, she dives into not only how she volunteers, but how religion has impacted her volunteerism.

Music: Uppbeat

License code: ULKLLZSLSU8XCRCS

In this episode of the Doing Good Podcast, we meet Julie Ridenour from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Julie is a longtime volunteer with multiple organizations, a mother of grown children, and most recently, a puppy raiser for Freedom Service Dogs in Colorado.

Raising a future service dog has been a lifelong dream for Julie. About two months ago, she received her puppy, Salem, and will foster her until she’s around 18 months old. During this time, Julie will focus on socializing Salem, teaching her basic obedience, and preparing her for her future role as a service dog for someone with a disability. Afterward, Salem will return to Freedom Service Dogs to begin her training and start her new life.

Julie highlights the excellent training and support Freedom Service Dogs provides to puppy raisers—an important factor to consider for anyone interested in this type of volunteer work. She also shares the emotional bond she’s formed with Salem, knowing she is just one step in the dog’s journey. “Everyone asks if it will be hard to give her up. My response is maybe, but I know she has an important job ahead of her.”

This episode is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more at www.doinggood.tv, and read Julie’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog. To find out more about Freedom Service Dogs, visit freedomservicedogs.org.

Welcome to the Doing Good podcast from Doing Good, the 501c3 nonprofit. We’re “Celebrating those who do good”. In today's episode, Van Pinnock talks about his background in volunteerism and his love for music.

Welcome to the Doing Good podcast from Doing Good, the 501c3 nonprofit. We’re “Celebrating those who do good”. In today's episode, Susan Hollyday revives her love for Shakespeare through volunteerism. 

Through her involvement in agriculture-focused volunteer organizations, Leah Kennedy explains how volunteering shaped her career goals and perspective. She discovered at an early age that reaching out to your community can be a mutually beneficial experience for all, regardless of age.

Welcome to the Doing Good podcast from Doing Good, the 501c3 nonprofit. We’re “Celebrating those who do good”. In today's episode, Beca Ramon tells us about her experience sharing heritage through dance with kids in her community.

Following a major shift in life, Karin Freeland found her passion for supporting and empowering women through her volunteerism. She is an active member and volunteer for The Junior League of Greenville in South Carolina, having worked heavily for its Nearly New Shop and various other local projects. Her experiences since volunteering have helped her learn more about her own community and herself. She hopes to encourage others to volunteer in any way they can. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS

To Support Doing Good: Donate Here

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This is the second part of our two-part series highlighting Nashville Rescue Mission. Joy Flores (Vice President of Ministries) and Krystle Knight (Operations Coordinator) join Megan to discuss the transformative power of holistic care and what happens when an organization truly sees the whole person.

What You'll Learn:

✅ Why treating homelessness requires addressing the whole person, not just housing
✅ How work therapy, mentorship, and community create pathways to lasting stability
✅ The power of hiring program graduates to mentor those walking the same journey

Resources & Mentions:

Nashville Rescue Mission

Connect with Us:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠Doing Good⁠⁠⁠
Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠All Links⁠⁠⁠
Blog: ⁠⁠⁠Featured Organization⁠⁠⁠
Support the show: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

 
Credits:

Hosted by Megan McInnis
Produced by Jay Wilson
Edited by Jay Wilson
Music by Hartzmann

In today's episode, Susan Hartley talks about her experience raising a special needs child and how it helped her discover the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center. She also discusses her cousin's non-profit, the Imagine Project, and how beneficial its program can be.

Music: Uppbeat

License code: ULKLLZSLSU8XCRCS

Meet Tom Ruiz, a resident of Nolensville, TN and a life-long volunteer. He has had several, varied careers, and his volunteer experiences are just as diverse. He says that he has always sought to serve others and “fill a void.”

“Don’t hesitate; don’t look for a niche,” Tom says. From serving as an altar boy in his youth, to volunteering as a city councilman in Texas, to his current service at Nolensville First United Methodist Church, Tom says that opportunities to serve others find him. “You never know what can come from…being willing to raise your hand.” He says.  

Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about, and from, Tom’s life of service.

Read Tom's blog post at: www.doinggood.tv/blog

During today’s episode, the new Doing Good Podcast Co-Host, Emily Green, talks with La Toya Murdock. Originally from California, La Toya is long-time a Franklin, TN resident with a passion for volunteering.

La Toya’s Mom sparked her inspiration for giving - to provide young people a good time - almost a temporary escape - “a moment to forget…” certain trials and tribulations in life. Today, La Toya gives back by serving on the board for three local nonprofits.

In the podcast interview, she shares the impact of volunteering on herself and others through Daughters of the King. the Ray of Light Foundation, Athletes & Entertainers for Kids, and more. “Don’t take what you currently have for granted,” she says. “The volunteerism, it humbles you, . . . because in the blink of an eye, that could be me on the receiving end.” 

Check out some of the organizations discussed in this podcast:

Ray of Light: https://www.rayoflighttn.com

Daughters of the King on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daughtersofthekingfranklintn/

This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv.

Read La Toya’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.

As an employee of John Deere and former CEO of KPA, Vane leverages his broad range of education and work experience to reconnect with his passion: farming. Vane largely gives back to his Colorado-based community through Farm Rescue, a non-profit that helps family farms plant and harvest crops following unexpected medical crises.

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS

Support Doing Good: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode, part two of our WNBA Nashville series, Megan is joined by chapter president Ami McConnell and Molly Lyon. We explore how established volunteer organizations can harness the power of new members, discovering how Molly’s fresh perspective led to immediate impact through a successful foster care book drive.

What You'll Learn:

✅ How to create a space that empowers new members to lead

✅ The tangible impact of community projects like providing 140+ books to foster children

✅ The confidence that comes from stepping up within a supportive team

✅ Advice for anyone who wants to propose a new idea in an organization

Resources & Mentions: ⁠

⁠Women's National Book Association ⁠

⁠Nashville⁠⁠WriterFest⁠

Southern Festival of Books (October 18-19, 2025)

Coffee with Authors - Saturday morning during Southern Festival of Books weekend (Free ticketed event)

Connect with Us:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠Doing Good⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠All Links⁠⁠⁠

Blog: ⁠⁠⁠Featured Organization⁠⁠⁠

Support the show: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Produced by Jay Wilson

Music by Hartzmann

Edited by Jordan Rillera, Jay Wilson

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS

Support Doing Good: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Corisa "Pine" Lewis joins Megan McInnis to discuss the power of persistent community service and the innovative work of The 37208 Fund. We explore Pine's remarkable volunteer journey across multiple Nashville organizations, learn about participatory grantmaking and how it's transforming North Nashville, and discover how food and hospitality create lasting connections.

What You'll Learn:

✅ How participatory grantmaking empowers communities to fund their own solutions

✅ The impact of consistent volunteer service across multiple organizations

✅ Creative ways to serve your community through your unique skills and passions

Resources & Mentions:⁠

The 37208 Fund

⁠⁠Corner to Corner Nashville⁠⁠

Men of Valor⁠

Pineapples Food Service and Events

Connect with Us:

Website: ⁠Doing Good⁠

Social Media: ⁠All Links

⁠Blog: ⁠Featured Volunteers⁠

Support the show: ⁠Donate Here⁠

Credits:

Produced by Azilee Maetke

Music by Hartzmann

Edited by Jay Wilson, Azilee Maetke

As a business leader, Tony Bradshaw brings a unique skillset to the nonprofits he serves – Nashville Technology Council, One Gen Away, and Tennessee Christian Chamber of Commerce. Listen to his volunteer experiences to better impact his community as well as what he suggests for others who want to volunteer to similar ways. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv. Read Tony’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS

Support Doing Good: ⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠

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In this episode, Ami McConnell joins Megan McInnis to discuss the vibrant world of literary volunteerism through the Women's National Book Association Nashville chapter. We explore Ami's journey from reader to publishing professional to volunteer leader, learn about innovative community programs like WriterFest, and discover how one volunteer's mentorship can change an entire career trajectory.

What You'll Learn:

✅ How literary organizations create community connections through service and celebration

✅ The lasting impact of volunteer mentorship on career paths and personal growth

✅ Creative ways to support literacy initiatives from book drives to writer conferences

Resources & Mentions: ⁠

Women's National Book Association

NashvilleWriterFest

Southern Festival of Books (October 18-19, 2025)

Coffee with Authors - Saturday morning during Southern Festival of Books weekend (Free ticketed event)

Connect with Us:

Website: ⁠⁠Doing Good⁠⁠

Social Media: ⁠⁠All Links⁠⁠

Blog: ⁠⁠Featured Organization⁠⁠

Support the show: ⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠

Credits:

Produced by Jay Wilson

Music by Hartzmann

Edited by Jordan Rillera, Jay Wilson

In this episode of the Doing Good podcast, we’ll meet Ana Laura Sura.  Ana volunteers with Begin Anew and Better Options Tennessee where she helps recent immigrants find their feet in a new country and culture. Having walked this same difficult road decades ago, she now feels driven to make the journey easier for others. Her passion is to serve this community with humility and love.  “When I help the people,” she says, “I have a new family.” Listen to this episode to learn more about Ana’s story, her volunteer work, and what drives her. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv Read Ana’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.

In today's episode, our host Megan speaks with Natalie Bell. Natalie is a journalist who discovered her passion through her work. She believes understanding the past is essential to understanding the present. This conversation focuses on her volunteerism in history with a focus on African American cemeteries.

This podcast is produced by Doing Good, a 501 nonprofit which celebrates volunteers’ stories in various formats. This podcast episode launches a new season which includes a segment of resources and education about each volunteer’s passion. Doing Good celebrates those who do good!

To learn more about who we are or to get involved, visit us at www.doinggood.tv

For more on Natalie Bell please connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalierbell

Discover the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society at https://aahgsnashville.org

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS

To Support Doing Good: Donate Here

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In this episode, author and adventurer Heidi Siefkas joins Megan to discuss the transformative power of volunteering, resilience, and the "Look Up" mantra born from a near-death experience.

What You'll Learn:

✅ How volunteering shifts perspective and builds resilience as a "muscle to be flexed."
✅ Why homelessness can happen to anyone and the importance of community lifelines
✅ The power of treating volunteer service as an all-consuming adventure

Resources & Mentions:

Nashville Rescue Mission
Heidi Siefkas

Connect with Us:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠Doing Good⁠⁠⁠
Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠All Links⁠⁠⁠
Blog: ⁠⁠⁠Featured Organization⁠⁠⁠
Support the show: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Hosted by Megan McInnis
Produced by Jay Wilson
Music by Hartzmann

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS

To Support Doing Good: https://bit.ly/DoingGoodDonate

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In this episode, Hugh Nelson of Kingdom Builders joins Megan McInnis to discuss how specialized skills can transform lives through volunteer service. We explore Hugh's journey from serving sandwiches to the homeless as a Nashville police officer to leading construction projects that make homes accessible for families in crisis, learn how Tucker's House connects skilled volunteers with families who need home modifications, and discover the powerful ripple effect that happens when businesses leverage their resources for good.

What You'll Learn:

✅ How to leverage professional skills and business relationships for volunteer impact

✅ The life-changing work Tucker's House does is modifying homes for accessibility

✅ Why serving others keeps us grounded and reminds us of our blessings

Resources & Mentions:

Tucker's House

Kingdom Builders (Hugh Nelson's company)

Tennessee Baptist Children's Home

People Loving Nashville

Connect with Us:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠Doing Good

⁠⁠⁠Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠All Links⁠⁠⁠

Blog: ⁠⁠⁠Featured Organization⁠⁠⁠

Support the show: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Hosted by Megan McInnis

Produced by Jay Wilson

Music by Hartzmann

Edited by Jay Wilson

In this episode, Megan sits down with John Witherspoon, retired Special Forces veteran and president of Beacon Rescue. From building shelters in Papua New Guinea to leading rapid disaster deployments in Tennessee, John shares his lifelong journey of service—and how his nonprofit is empowering veterans, families, and communities to respond with compassion in moments of crisis. Tune in to hear how training, teamwork, and a willingness to act can turn ordinary people into lifelines when disaster strikes.

Connect with John and find out more about Beacon Rescue:

Website: Beacon Rescue

Social: Facebook | Instagram

Read John’s blog post at ⁠www.doinggood.tv/blog⁠.

This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit.

To support the efforts of Doing Good and more:

Website: Doing Good

Linktree: All Links

Donate: Click here to donate.

Social: Instagram | YouTube

In this heartfelt episode, we explore with Kelli R. Brooks and Gregory Prioleau from Roberta’s House, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit family grief support center in Baltimore, Maryland, the transformative work of this organization dedicated to helping children, families, and communities heal from loss and trauma. Founded in memory of a beloved matriarch, Roberta’s House provides free, culturally responsive programs that offer emotional support, education, and a safe space for healing. Join us as we hear about Kelly and Greg’s experiences with grief and support, as well as how this organization is restoring hope through peer-led support groups, trauma-informed care, and a deep commitment to community resilience. Whether you’re grieving, supporting someone in grief, or simply seeking stories of strength and compassion, this episode will remind you that healing is possible—and no one has to walk through grief alone.

Connect with Roberta's House:

Website: https://robertashouse.org/

Doing Good, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, brings this podcast to you.

Support Doing Good:

Website: doinggood.tv

Blog: doinggood.tv/blog.

In this episode of the Doing Good Podcast, host Megan McInnis speaks with Ryan Tagg, a dedicated volunteer at Comfort Zone Camp, a bereavement camp for children who have lost loved ones. Ryan shares his journey from being a Big Buddy to taking on various roles within the organization, including fundraising and training. He discusses the emotional challenges of working with grieving children, the importance of open conversations about death, and the rewarding experiences that come from volunteering. Ryan also emphasizes the need for community engagement and creative fundraising efforts to support these types of important programs.

Read Ryan’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.

View Ryan’s podcast by visiting Doing Good on YouTube. 

To learn more about Comfort Zone Camp, visit https://comfortzonecamp.org.

Learn more about corporate volunteering at Dominion Payroll: 

https://dominionpayroll.com/about-us#strongerpart

This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doingggood.tv.

This week, we’re shaking things up by introducing a newcomer to volunteering: Jack Valentino. Jack lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where he attends Belmont University. As a passionate musician, he naturally gravitated towards volunteering by sharing his love for music with others.

Just a few months ago, Jack began his volunteer journey with Love Learning Music, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the developmental needs of children through adaptive music education. Currently, Jack teaches piano to one of these children, helping instill a love of classical music. Although he’s new to this role, Jack is committed to continuing his work.

When asked for advice for prospective volunteers, Jack says, 'I’d suggest volunteering in an area you’re passionate about.'

You can learn more about Love Learning Music at: https://www.lovelearningmusic.org/

This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv. Read Jack's blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog

This week we’ll talk to Brittnie Battle, a resident of Davidson County, Tennessee who has an enormous heart for animals in need. She and her partner have two rescue dogs of their own, and they have opened their home to countless fosters over the last few years, which she says has shaped her as a person.

Brittnie also serves as the Director of Outreach for Charlie’s Angels Saving Animals (CASA) Transport. This innovative organization takes animals from over-crowded Tennessee shelters and transports them to rescues in northern states without a pet overpopulation. “Just changing their zip code can give them a chance at life.” She says.

CASA is a small organization with a big mission; they have transported over seven thousand animals out of Tennessee. Brittnie has a variety of responsibilities. She primarily is the “boots on the ground”, forming partnerships with local animal shelters and choosing individual animals for transport. She also occasionally drives them north herself, and of course often has a foster or two at home. Brittnie stresses that while she lives and breathes this cause, everyone can do something to help animals. There are opportunities for everyone’s lifestyle; small actions matter, too.  

"It's so important to realize that it's not about just us in life,” Brittnie says. “There are other things that depend on us…It's sort of our duty to make sure that they're taken care of.”

Find out more about Casa Transport: https://www.casatransport.org/

This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv  

Read Brittnie’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.

Mother and daughter team, Barbara and Lauren Rapaport, have been fighting Type 1 Diabetes since 1979. They volunteer together and individually for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or JDRF, and even helped found the Washington, D.C. chapter for this international nonprofit. Listen to their stories of living with diabetes, hear its impact on a family, and be moved by the love and respect between two women on the same mission. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv

Hillary Cohen founded and volunteers with Every Day Action, the LA-based nonprofit which saves food from film and television productions to feed the hungry. Hear what led her to create the nonprofit and how, with the help of a friend, they grew the new nonprofit. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv

Shavonya Washington encourages each of us to “Just be bold!” A break-up led her to volunteer, and today she serves several nonprofits including No Man Left Behind, Gilda’s Club, Nashville Children’s Theatre, and a local YMCA. Her personal reason for volunteering ties the four together for her. Shavonya lives south of Nashville, Tennessee. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv

What does it mean to truly bear someone else’s burden?

Karen Chambers knows firsthand. After experiencing a devastating miscarriage 42 years ago, with no support system to turn to, she founded Bearing Others’ Burdens, a nonprofit that delivers care and comfort bags to individuals facing cancer, miscarriage, infant loss, and bereavement.

In this moving episode, Karen shares:

• 🧵 The Power of a Bag: How a simple pillow, blanket, or embroidered memory square can say, “You are seen, you are loved.”

• 💔 Grief Unfiltered: Why phrases like “It’ll be okay” fall short—and what to say (or not say) instead.

• ✝️ Faith in Action: How Karen’s journey from heartbreak to hope is rooted in her belief that no one should walk alone.

• 🌎 A National Impact: How her small goal of 15 bags grew to 2,500+ donations across all 50 states.

For volunteers: Learn how to sew, pack, or donate to this grassroots effort.
For grievers: Find solace in Karen’s message: “Your story matters.”
For everyone: Discover how empathy can transform lives—starting with yours.

Follow Bearing Others’ Burdens:

• Website: www.BearingOthersBurdens.com

This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

To support the efforts of Doing Good and more:

Website: ⁠Doing Good⁠

Linktree: ⁠All Links⁠

Donate: Click ⁠here⁠ to donate.

Social: ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Kayla Torti (Program Director at Tucker's House) and Adeline (Tucker's House recipient) join Megan McInnis to discuss the profound impact of accessible home modifications on families living with disabilities. We explore Kayla's journey as both a special needs mom and advocate, hear Addie's transformative story of moving from a converted garage to independent living, and discover how Tucker's House creates dignity and hope through thoughtful accessibility solutions.

What You'll Learn:

✅ How inaccessibility literally makes people more disabled and affects their health
✅ The comprehensive planning required for successful home modifications
✅ Why advocacy and understanding matter as much as the physical changes

Resources & Mentions:

Tucker's House

Apply for services: Click the "Apply" button at tuckershouse.org (located in the top right corner). To volunteer or donate: Contact through the website

Connect with Us:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠Doing Good⁠⁠⁠
Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠All Links⁠⁠⁠
Blog: ⁠⁠⁠Featured Organization⁠⁠⁠
Support the show: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

 

Credits:

Hosted by Megan McInnis
Produced by Jay Wilson
Music by Hartzmann
Edited by Jordan Rillera

In this special episode of the Doing Good podcast, we’ll get to know Emily Green, the new co-host of this podcast. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and is the newest member of the Doing Good team.

Emily has had an interesting assortment of volunteer roles throughout her life. From helping out at a local retirement home as a teenager, to her time in a service fraternity in college, to finding her niche in charity event planning, she clearly values variety of experience. In her new role as Doing Good podcast co-host, Emily is looking forward to meeting the different people interviewed and learning about their experiences as volunteers.

“My hope is that people who are listening to the episodes are able to open their mind a little bit to what all is out there,” she says, “…and start to kind of think about what they could potentially be doing in their own community.” This is an exciting new chapter for her and for the podcast.

In the newest episode of the Doing Good podcast, we’ll talk with Jacqueline McDonald. She is a mom, real-estate agent, and passionate volunteer who serves on the board of the Tennessee Action Council. She has a variety of causes dear to her heart—women with unintended pregnancies, children in foster care, underserved veterans—and she rises to the challenge of addressing them all. “Everyone has something to offer,” she says. Whether it is getting supplies to children’s homes, helping out at her church, or running a charity golf tournament with her husband, she uses her skills and expertise to benefit those in need.

This lifestyle of service started with her mother’s example, and Jacqueline strives to pass the legacy on to her children. It’s part of her life, her business, and her family. “Nothing is ever too small.”

Find Jacqueline’s blog at:

https://doinggood.tv/jacqueline-mcdonald-nothing-is-ever-too-small/

In this episode, John Henry Soto shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in New York City to a life of purpose in Nashville. He opens up about experiencing homelessness as a teenager and how it shaped his passion for volunteer work and community engagement. John also discusses his artistic evolution from music to film, emphasizing the importance of creating for joy rather than commercial success.

Through powerful insights on validation, the impact of kindness, and the lessons learned from giving back, John reminds us that "it's not about you"—it’s about the difference we can make in others’ lives. Join us as we explore his thoughts on human connection, the power of hope, and how small acts of kindness can create lasting change.

Read John’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.

View John’s podcast by visiting Doing Good on YouTube.

This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doingggood.tv. 

Welcome to the Doing Good podcast from Doing Good, the 501c3 nonprofit. We’re “Celebrating those who do good”. In today's episode, Sallie Mayne continues her work after retirement with the arts through volunteerism.