Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Nonprofit on the Rocks
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minisode #1: All About Boards | 02 Nov 2026 | 00:14:42 | |
In the very first mini episode of Nonprofit on the Rocks, Ashley finally gets Matt to flip the script and let her ask the questions of him! What follows is a lively deep dive into what makes a nonprofit board truly balanced, inspired by their earlier conversation with Nonprift Launch Academy founder, Sharmon Lebby (go listen if you haven’t) Matt breaks down the elusive "board matrix," why being a CEO is the loneliest job around, and why your board needs thought partners — not just warm bodies with checkbooks. He and Ashley tackle the hard truths about board diversity, the art of recruiting board members like you're hiring employees, and the very real menace of the board bully (there’s at least one great blog about in on Envision’s website). Along the way, Matt reluctantly plugs Envision's Board Builders program, which has placed nearly 1,000 board members across the country. There's coaching, roundtables, and even a matchmaking event called Cause Cupid. Ashley reminds listeners they can find all of it at boardbuilders.net. It's nonprofit governance served straight up, with a heavy pour of banter. 00:00 – Welcome Ashley finally gets Matt to do a mini-episode and flips the script, putting herself in the host chair and Matt in the hot seat! 1:46 — The Board Matrix: Know What You Have (and What You Don't) Matt explains the board matrix — 15 to 20 categories that map who's on your board and, more importantly, who's missing. It's not glamorous, but it's step one. 2:04 — Surprise: Matt Was an Executive Director (in New Jersey, no less) Ashley is floored. Matt digs into his past running a homeless shelter and explains why being a CEO is the loneliest job around — and why boards need to be thought partners, not seat-warmers. 2:52 — What a Great Board Actually Looks Like Thought partners, money connections, client representation, industry diversity, and yes — doctors (for all the Botox). Matt's full wish list for a balanced board. 3:48 — Building a Diverse Board (Spoiler: It Requires Actual Recruiting) The biggest obstacle to diversity on boards? Board members recruit people who look and think like themselves. Matt's solution: treat board recruitment like hiring an employee. 5:04 — Finding People Is the Easy Part. Onboarding Is Where It Gets Real. You can find great people all day long, but if you don't have a process to vet and onboard them, you're building a house on sand. Matt says nobody has time for this. He says it's the most important part. 5:29 — Enter Board Builders Ashley introduces Envision's Board Builders program. Matt reluctantly admits he should be selling it. Recruiting, CEO roundtables, coaching, bylaws education — all for a monthly fee, tiered to fit any nonprofit budget. 7:18 — 1,000 Board Members Placed & Counting Through Cause Cupid networking events and Board Builders, Envision has placed nearly 1,000 board members across the country. Matt is genuinely proud of this. He should be. 7:45 — Board Bullies Are Real (And They Will Ruin Everything) The red flags segment. Someone who joins for their ego can change your entire board dynamic. Matt's rules: never bring anyone on immediately, put them on a committee first, and phase in new members so you can spot trouble. Allison wrote a legendary blog about this. So did Ashley, apparently. 9:44 — Your Board = Your Culture Your board represents your core values and your mission. Don't bring on warm bodies for the sake of filling seats, and don't take the check from someone who'll be terrible. Build a board that actually works. 10:24 — What Makes the Best Boards Great Passion matters, but it's really about relationships. The board chair and CEO need to be a team. There should be conflict — safe conflict. There should be friendships, retreats, and genuine connection. The strongest boards are where people care, get along (mostly), and have each other's backs. 11:38 — Board Retreats: Not Just for Trust Falls Matt loves a board retreat. He wakes up at 7:30 AM on Saturdays — which, for a noted non-morning person, is practically a miracle. The key: walk away with action items and energy for the year ahead, not just vague warm feelings. 12:45 — The Trust Fall Debate: Would They Catch Each Other? (No.) Ashley assumes Matt loves trust falls. He does not. What follows is a thorough exploration of whether either host would catch the other in a trust fall. The answer, from both directions, is a resounding no. Matt suspects Ashley has been mediocre on purpose just to take his job. 14:10 — Resources & Where to Find Everything Board Builders at boardbuilders.net, blogs and past episodes at envisionnonprofit.com, and a final thank-you from Matt — who survived his first mini episode. • Board Builders: boardbuilders.net | |||
| Nonprofit Launch Academy: with founder, Sharmon Lebby | 08 Oct 2026 | 00:47:31 | |
What happens when a neuroscience researcher turned ethical fashion entrepreneur accidentally founds a nonprofit and lives to tell the tale? She builds a course to stop you from making the same mistakes. This week, Matt sits down with Sharmon Lebby — founder of the Nonprofit Launch Academy — to dig into what it really takes to build a nonprofit from scratch — the right way. Sharmon shares lessons from her own founder journey, including the mistakes that led her to create a comprehensive eight-module course for aspiring nonprofit founders. From why your friends make terrible board members to why you should plan your exit before you even open the bank account, this episode is a masterclass in doing good without losing your mind. 4:00 — Neuroscience, Fashion & the Accidental Nonprofit How a biology degree, a spontaneous clothing line, and five women in sustainability led to Sharmon's first nonprofit — by sheer hubris. She learned she had no clue what she was doing. Matt reassures: none of us do. 8:00 — Boards Make or Break You Sharmon's biggest early mistake: recruiting friends instead of building a strategic board. Matt's rule: a great board = great org, a terrible board = game over. How to start with a skills assessment. 11:45 — The 5 Board Archetypes & When to Pay Yourself The five people every board needs — from a compliance mind to a community voice. Then: when can a founder realistically start taking a salary? Sharmon says build a "dream budget" from day one. 13:48 — Succession Planning Starts on Day One Counterintuitive but critical: planning your exit from the beginning means better systems, better infrastructure — and the ability to actually take a day off without the org collapsing. 18:40 — The 5:1 Pay Ratio Hot Take Matt's first ED job paid $55K. Now he places people making $400K. Sharmon advocates the 5:1 rule: no CEO earns more than 5× the lowest-paid employee. They both agree: if your staff needs a second job to survive, you don't get to make $400K. 22:55 — Failure, Luck vs. Skill & Nonprofit Launch Academy Getting comfortable with messing up. Matt asks his favorite interview question — lucky or skillful? — and they disagree. Plus: how the Academy was born from watching founders repeat the same mistakes (named with help from a thesaurus). 24:37 — Great Ideas, Terrible Ideas & What Makes a Strong Founder A brilliant nonprofit bridging US and African entrepreneurs under AGOA. A terrible one funneling grant money back into a for-profit. And the qualities that separate a strong founder from an ego-driven one. 28:35 — When to Start, When to Join & When to Walk Away Another org already does what you want? Find the gap — or go volunteer there first. And when Sharmon says don't: if you can't track money, won't do compliance, or want to shuffle funds, the IRS will come for you. Start a for-profit instead. 32:11 — Success Story & "Build Slow" The student who tried to skip to the last module and file her 501(c)(3) immediately — then realized she needed the basics. Sharmon's advice to her younger self: build slow. Plus two warning signs your nonprofit isn't sustainable. 38:14 — Where to Find Sharmon & Why Hire Her Find her at blesseddesignsco.com, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads ("where I make all my enemies"). She reads between the lines and gives words to what founders feel but can't articulate. Eight modules, build-as-you-go. 42:45 — Outro with Ashley: Lake Arrowhead Edition Ashley joins from a lake because Matt bailed for a six-month-waitlist restaurant that turned out to be terrible. Plus the great Halloween decorating debate and a recap of Sharmon's episode. | |||
| Nonprofit Hub on the Rocks: with Meghan Speer | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:45:36 | |
Two nonprofit podcast hosts. Zero rehearsal. One refreshingly honest conversation. Matt Kamin (Nonprofit on the Rocks) and Meghan Speer (Nonprofit Hub) team up for the first-ever crossover between their shows — and it's basically two friends geeking out over everything wrong (and right) with the nonprofit world. They get into the real talk fast: how to tell client stories without exploiting people, whether AI is about to change how donors decide who to support, and why nobody can agree on the "right" board size. Along the way: a hot take on why "executive director" undersells one of the hardest jobs in America, a hard line on never passing a budget in the red (your endowment is not a safety net!), a case for more nonprofit mergers, and a rant about leaders who care more about their "legacy" than the mission itself. Candid. A little chaotic. Occasionally emotional. Packed with hard-won wisdom from two people who've spent their careers in the trenches — exactly what happens when you put two podcast hosts in a room and tell them to just talk. 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction -- Matt and Meghan kick off the first-ever joint episode, previewing a wide-ranging conversation on ethical storytelling, AI, board governance, budgets, and legacy. 4:02 – Meet the Hosts -- Megan introduces Nonprofit Hub, providing professional development for nonprofit leaders, and Matt shares his work at Envision Consulting placing C-suite and board members. 7:02 – Ideal Board Size -- The two debate working boards vs. governing boards and why the right number depends on the board's role, not the org's size. 9:00 – Ethical Storytelling in Nonprofits -- Consent, dignity, and boundaries in nonprofit storytelling, including sharing stories of failure and creating photo/story consent forms. 16:03 – AI. And the Future of Donor Strategy -- How will ChatGPT and Claude change donor research? Exploring what next-gen donors expect and the ethics of disclosing AI-generated content. 18:03 – Leadership Transitions and Generational Shifts -- The great wealth transfer also means a leadership transfer. Founders staying through COVID, Gen X getting skipped, and succession planning. 23:13 – CEO vs Executive Director -- — A spirited debate on whether the title "Executive Director" devalues nonprofit leaders and why running a nonprofit is a CEO job in all but name. 26:52 – Budgets in the Red & Endowment Myths -- Don't pass a deficit budget, and an endowment is not a safety net for bad financial practices—it's for the growth of the organization. 28:33 – Nonprofit Mergers -- Why nonprofits resist merging while competing for the same donors. The case for consolidation, shared services, and leaving ego at the door. 31:38 – Legacy, Ego & Why We Do This Work -- Matt's biggest pet peeve: the word "legacy." Both hosts share personal stories of what brought them to the nonprofit sector. 34:55 – The Podcasting Experience -- Meghan on producing a weekly podcast and what she's learned from hundreds of guests; Matt on how Nonprofit on the Rocks was born from COVID-era networking. 39:22 – Post Show: Gen X Playground Banter -- Matt and producer Ashley relive the death-trap playgrounds of their youth and debate whether Gen X is the "Prince Charles" of generations. | |||
| Survey Says? "State of the Nonprofit Worker Report" | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:32:15 | |
State of the Nonprofit Worker Report (SNWR) Spoiler: it's not a K-pop band. It's the data initiative that's about to make your next board meeting way more interesting. In this episode, host Matt sits down with Allison (Envision Consulting) and Efrain (Center for Nonprofit Management) to talk about the State of the Nonprofit Worker Report — the survey aiming to answer the question every nonprofit leader is whispering at happy hour: are we in a silent recession, or does it just feel that way because we're all running on coffee and will power? What you'll learn: • Why this report goes way beyond "just another compensation survey" (yes, they know you're tired of those too) • The elephant-in-the-room questions: federal funding cuts, the AI panic, and whether remote work is actually dead or just resting • Why quality-of-life metrics — like childcare, living wages, and whether you can actually pay your bills — matter more than a salary number on a spreadsheet • How CNM and Envision teamed up to be the "convener" and "data hub" so nonprofits stop making six-figure decisions based on vibes and anecdotes • A truly inspired tangent about an $8,000 laundry-folding robot and why that, too, counts as AI we can get behind Whether you're filling out the survey as an individual or as an organization, the hosts want you to know: yes, it's a big ask, and yes, they know surveys are the bane of your existence. But without your data, there's no story — and no story means no change. Learn more and take the survey at cnmsocal.org. [0:00] — Welcome & Episode Introduction Matt Kamin introduces the episode's focus: the State of the Nonprofit Worker Report (SNWR), a major data initiative documenting the challenges facing the nonprofit sector. Guests Allison Fuller (Envision Consulting) and Efrain Escobedo (Center for Nonprofit Management) join the show. [3:00] — What Is SNWR? Efrain explains that SNWR is an initiative designed to produce hard data on what he calls "the most silent travesty" — a nonprofit sector contraction potentially worse than the 2008 recession. The report builds on CNM's 2022 Equitable Nonprofit Workplace report, but goes beyond well-being metrics into economic security, layoffs, and workplace reality. [6:00] — Why the Envision–CNM Partnership Matters Allison discusses why Envision and CNM teamed up: CNM brings convening and capacity-building power, while Envision serves as the data hub. Together, they aim to produce insights actionable for philanthropic partners, funders, and policymakers — something neither could achieve alone. [9:00] — The Elephant-in-the-Room Survey Questions Allison runs through the survey's key topics: federal funding cuts and their impact, AI adoption and worker displacement, whether remote work is dead, cost-of-living measures like childcare affordability and commute distance, and the big question — is the nonprofit sector in a "silent recession"? [12:00] — Trends Efrain Is Hearing from Nonprofit Leaders Efrain shares two troubling trends: nearly every nonprofit leader he's spoken with has had to reduce staff or consolidate programs, and managing the cultural fallout of those changes is creating deep workplace anxiety. He also highlights bright spots — growing curiosity about AI and real resilience through creative partnerships. [15:00] — How Leaders Should Use the Results Efrain hopes leaders will use the report to contextualize their own struggles, understand they're not alone in a sector-wide shift, and make data-driven decisions around budgeting, salary competitiveness, and workforce planning for fiscal year 2028. Allison shares what excites her most: quantifying quality-of-life measures like childcare and living wage to see how the sector is treating its own people. [18:00] — Why Nonprofits Should Take the Survey Efrain makes the case for participation: the data goes into a commons, free and accessible to all. He frames it as collective action — "if not now, when?" — arguing that the sector can't expect change if it won't come together to tell its own story. Every response helps demonstrate to policymakers and philanthropy that nonprofits are too critical to fail. [21:00] — Philanthropy's Role & the Irvine Foundation Efrain expresses gratitude to The James Irvine Foundation, which provided the majority of funding for the study. He challenges philanthropy to move beyond anecdote-driven decisions and use real data when investing in the nonprofit sector — one of the largest industries that still operates largely without it. [24:00] — Survey Logistics & the Free Digital Dashboard Allison details how to participate: the survey can be taken as an individual (15–25 minutes) or as an organization (45 minutes+). She announces a major upgrade — a free, interactive digital dashboard replacing the old static report, with a full-time developer and data team building filtering and comparison tools. There's nothing else like it on the market. [27:00] — What Is the Center for Nonprofit Management? Efrain gives his elevator pitch: CNM has served the sector for 50 years and has evolved from a consulting org into an advocate, resource, and cheerleader — advancing research, supporting organizations through training and technical assistance, and advocating for sector resources. Find them at cnmsocal.org. [30:00] — Post-Show Banter: Surveys, AI Robots & Matt's Stalker Candidate Matt and producer Ashley debrief on survey fatigue, the candidate who binge-listened seven episodes before his interview, and whether an AI robot that does your laundry is a dream or a nightmare. The episode wraps with a reminder to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. | |||
| All Things Social Sector Impact with Rob Harter | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:41:53 | |
This week, Matt sits down with Rob Harter — host of the Nonprofit Leadership podcast, coach, consultant, recovering executive director, and self-described "hopeless romantic" who still believes you can change the world. (We checked. He means it.)
Rob spent three decades in the social impact sector, most recently leading a humanitarian organization in Park City, Utah — yes, that Park City, the one where people ski and pretend they've never heard of a food pantry. Spoiler: they have one. A really good one.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
• Why the nonprofit world is harder than it looks (and why that's kind of the point)
• A community garden that thrived for two years and then... didn't (RIP, solar pump)
• Why your work and your worth are not the same thing — and why most of us need a therapist to actually believe that
• The three traits of great leaders: humility, listening, and a healthy ego check (two out of three ain't bad, but you really need all three)
• Why 75% of podcasts die before their first birthday — and what Rob thinks separates the survivors
Whether you're a seasoned executive director, a wide-eyed nonprofit newbie, or just someone who wants to make a difference without burning out completely, this one's for you. | |||
| Nonprofit Nation on the Rocks | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:41:09 | |
Two podcast hosts walk into a recording session. One's drinking Eagle Rare bourbon at 3pm in LA. The other is sipping a Pinot Grigio she smuggled back from Italy. Neither has ever co-hosted before. What could go wrong? | |||
| S6:E2 -- "Leadership and Resilience in the Face of Disaster" Revisiting Liz Lin, CEO of the LAFD Foundation | 24 Oct 2025 | 00:27:10 | |
Matt is joined by Liz Lin, CEO of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, to discuss the profound impact of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The conversation covers challenges faced by both the community and first responders, the critical role of the Foundation, and practical steps for preparedness and recovery.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
• Firsthand accounts of emergency response and the emotional toll on firefighters
• The mission and work of the LAFD Foundation in supporting firefighters with essential equipment, resources and station upgrades
• The importance of community support for first responders, including appropriate ways to show appreciation.
• Guidance for homeowners and families on disaster preparedness, evacuation planning and recovery resources.
• The ongoing needs of the LAFD and how public support makes a difference.
RESOURCES:
• Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: supportlafd.org
• LAFD official information: lafd.org | |||
| S6:E1 -- Recruiting on the Rocks: a Hiring Happy Hour with Matt & Tom O'Connor | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:36:58 | |
What really happens when you put two nonprofit insiders in a room and ask them to solve the sector’s toughest hiring puzzles? In this episode, we sit down with Tom O’Connor, founder of TOC Arts Partners, to decode the mysteries of executive search, organizational strategy, and the human side of leadership.
Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond résumés and reference checks. Tom shares why the best searches start with curiosity, how to spot the difference between a good candidate and the right candidate, and why transparency is the ultimate retention tool. Along the way, we explore the subtle art of “discovery,” the realities of uncertainty in the nonprofit world, and the power of building teams that are more than the sum of their job descriptions.
Highlights include:
• The “knife fight in a phone booth” reality of today’s talent market
• How to turn candidate feedback into organizational growth
• Why culture fit is more than a buzzword (and how to get it right)
• The secret to making hiring less transactional and more transformational
• Tom’s take on humility, humor, and the impact sector’s future
Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a job-seeker, or just someone who loves a good story about people making a difference, this episode is your invitation to rethink what it means to build a great team. | |||
| S5:E10 -- "Season of Giving," a Guide to Charitable Giving with Charity Navigator CEO, Michael Thatcher | 27 Nov 2024 | 01:13:53 | |
Tis the season of giving--giving thanks, giving gifts, and giving money to your favorite charities. To help you “navigate” the complex charitable giving landscape, Matt talks to renaissance man, Michael Thatcher, the CEO of the nonprofit rating website, Charity Navigator.
The pair discuss what makes a “good nonprofit;” how you measure impact; and the importance of strong leadership. They also delve into how you incorporate feedback into management; the possibility of a 360 review of Executive Directors; and the never-ending debate surrounding the controversial “80/20” rule that arbitrarily governs nonprofits’ financials.
And did you know they recently launched a program called “Causeway” that allows you to give to “cause” instead of a single charity? It’s essentially a mutual fund that spreads your donation to multiple orgs supporting the same mission.
Whether you’re a donor looking for where and how to give, or a nonprofit looking for how to get more traction or accurate information about your org on the site, this show has it all! | |||
| S5:E9 -- "The Audacity of Confidence" with Dr. Cid Pinedo, CEO of MAOF | 15 Oct 2024 | 01:03:15 | |
In this lively and heartfelt episode, Matt dives deep into the world of nonprofit with his longtime pal, Dr. Cid Pinedo, President and CEO of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation. Cid shares his inspiring journey from aspiring priesthood in East LA to becoming the CEO of MAOF; his passion for helping under-resourced communities; the importance of serving with dignity; the challenges with government funding for nonprofits; and discovering the surprising love seniors have for Zumba!
Along the way, the friends share plenty of laughs, sips of tequila and bourbon, and heartfelt anecdotes about life's detours, the audacity of confidence, and the profound impact of helping others.
Whether you're into nonprofit work, curious about Sid’s billion-dollar dreams for MAOF, or just need some inspiration—and a laugh—this episode is for you!
SHOW NOTES:
00:00 Opening quote from Cid
00:21 Meet Your Host and Producer: Matt and Ashley
01:18 Celebrating Growth and Success
02:13 Family and Listener Engagement
03:41 Surviving the Heatwave
04:51 Matt's Radio Face and Sid's Introduction
06:09 A Heartfelt Conversation with Sid
07:20 Sid's Journey into Nonprofit Work
10:35 The Importance of Impact and Service
18:02 Balancing Leadership and Connection
21:16 Guiding Principles and Mentorship
31:10 Mentorship and Unexpected Opportunities
33:03 Creating a Welcoming Environment as a Leader
34:48 Ambitious Growth Plans for MAOF
38:34 Balancing Growth and Quality of Service
41:10 Engaging and Motivating Board Members
49:43 Challenges with Government Funding
54:07 Overview of MAOF's Services and Impact
57:33 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Messages | |||
| S5:E8 "Embracing Ambition" with CEO, nonprofit coach, and author, Jenny Mitchell | 05 Sep 2024 | 01:09:40 | |
Matt talks to Jenny Mitchell, CEO, nonprofit coach, and author of “Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, be Seen and Lead.” The pair discuss the nitty-gritty of fundraising, including mastering the art of uncomfortable conversations and how to stay motivated and confidant when things aren’t going your way.
If you've ever thought about starting your own coaching business or wondered if it's time to bring in a coach, we've got you covered. Plus, Jenny reveals that "compassion" literally means “to suffer alongside.” Who knew suffering could be so... comforting? | |||
| S5:E7 "Board Talk" with Board Experts, Jonathan Zeichner and Amy Friedman | 18 Jul 2024 | 01:10:20 | |
This episode is all about boards! Matt talks all things board related with two experts, Jonathan Zeichner and Amy Friedman. All three of the voices on this episode have served as founders, executive directors, board members, and in the case of Matt and Jonathan: consultants. They have seen and experienced “the big board picture” from all angles and perspectives. They know, first hand, the good, the bad, and yes: the ugly.
The three share stories from personal experience as well as answer questions from listeners looking to learn more about how to navigate the sometimes-rough terrain of board culture. Matt and Jonathan also talk about Envision Consulting’s newest project: “Board Builders,” a subscription service that is a literal “one stop shop” for all your board service needs, from finding board members, to onboarding and mentoring both them and the staff that supports them. | |||
| S5: E6 "Be the Change" Lessons from Ed O'Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation | 23 May 2024 | 01:08:43 | |
Matt talks to Ed O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation.
The pair dive into everything from how a president, whose face is carved on Mount Rushmore, doesn’t already have a library, to how one goes about starting and fundraising for, such a massive project.
Additionally, they explore the conservation movement that TR started and the bipartisan support he, and the library named in his honor, have garnered in a divided Congress; the importance of knowing when it’s time to walk away (and, conversely, when it’s important to stay)
Ed also sheds light on working for the Emmy winning Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and discusses his newly published book, “The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: the Women who Created a President” | |||
| S5:E5 "Don't Panic!" A Young Founder's Guide to Getting (and Staying!) in the Game, with Samia Lemfadli from Change Food for Good | 02 May 2024 | 01:08:30 | |
Matt talks to Samia Lemfadli, Founder and CEO of Change Food for Good, a New York City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to making sustainable agricultural technology more accessible to areas affected by food insecurity.
The pair discuss both the necessary mindset and practical steps one needs in order to start a nonprofit; how sustainable agriculture addresses food insecurity; how to make a big impact, even on a small budget. And climbing mountains, both figurative and literal! | |||
| S5:E4 “Holy Moly! Matts Unite!” A Divine Duo discuss Faith, Humanity and Inclusion with Rev. Matt Hackworth, Senior Leader at L'Arche USA | 21 Mar 2024 | 01:14:05 | |
Matt talks this week to The Rev. Matt Hackworth, a member of senior leadership for L'Arche USA, an organization committed to helping people with and without intellectual disabilities to live in community, together.
Matt and Matt come from drastically different backgrounds. Matt Kamin is a Jewish, native Californian. Matt Hackworth is a Christian Reverend from the South. However, the two share a love for spirituality, a strong compulsion for humanitarianism, and a shared compassion for those with intellectual disabilities.
Tune in to this thoughtful conversation which centers largely on the overlap of religion and nonprofit work. (Religious organizations typically receive the largest share of charitable donations [around 30%] each year.) And the mission work of many religious organizations connects congregations with nonprofits globally. They also touch on the importance of hiring people with differences and the gifts and opportunities that are missed when people are overlooked. | |||
| S5:E3 -- "Nailed It!" Cancer Support Community SGV CEO, Patricia Ostiller on Nonprofit Success and Fearless Fundraising | 08 Feb 2024 | 01:02:03 | |
Join host, Matt Kamin, as he talks to Patricia Ostiller, CEO of Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley, a nonprofit that uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities and breaking down barriers to care.
Normally, Matt likes to “Mattsplain” the listeners, educating them on various elements of nonprofit leadership, but in this episode, Patricia took the reins! She “Patriciasplained,” in depth, just how she was able to lead a 3.8 million dollar capital campaign for a new building (you read that right) as well as enlightened us about how to engage your board and hold them accountable with contracts and scorecards. And Matt and Patricia share thoughts on the challenges of fundraising and reaching donors. Hints: be fearless and take “no” as “not right now.” | |||
| S5:E1 -- "All Things Founders" with Mary Jane Wagle, co-founder of W.O.R.K.S. | 10 Oct 2023 | 01:00:00 | |
Join host, Matt Kamin, as he talks to OG badass do-gooder and lifetime advocate for the under-served, Mary Jane Wagle, co-founder of W.O.R.K.S. (Women Organizing Resources, Knowledge and Services) an organization that provides quality, affordable housing and services to the underprivileged.
Matt and Mary Jane discuss all things Founder-related, from how to stick through the hard times and when to throw in the towel. They take questions from listeners ranging from what to do when a founder won’t step away to how to make a succession plan for one who is leaving; what do when a founder is misappropriating funds, to recognizing when it’s time to pave the way for a BIPOC leader. And Matt reveals how he founded his first non-profit in an effort to find a boyfriend. (Spoiler alert: it worked.) | |||
| Halfy 3.0 - "New Season. New Format: Intro to Season 5" with Matt and Ashley | 26 Jul 2023 | 00:15:37 | |
Matt and producer, Ashley Waterson, return from a long hiatus to discuss the upcoming new season of the show! New Season. New Format. Same Quality. Same Fun. | |||
| S4 E10 -- "Nonprofit 101" with Allison Fuller, co-founder of Envision Consulting | 03 Feb 2023 | 01:11:47 | |
In this highly anticipated episode, Matt talks to his Envision Consulting co-founder and nonprofit expert, Allison Fuller. The pair discuss their long history with nonprofit and each other, relaying hilarious and poignant stories.
Listeners are also treated to an expert clinic on nonprofit management, discussing everything from: what DEI truly means, to do’s and don’ts of the interview process--including their favorite questions to ask candidates and the answers they want (and don’t want) to hear. | |||
| S4 E9 -- "Lawyers who Rock for Charity" with Omi Crawford, Director of Law Rocks | 22 Nov 2022 | 00:56:02 | |
Matt talks to Omi Crawford, Director of Law Rocks, a nonprofit whose mission is to promote music education for underprivileged youth and raise funds for local nonprofit organizations by combining the power of music and the generosity of the global legal community.
The pair discuss the challenge of keeping an event-driven nonprofit afloat during the pandemic shutdown, whether or not celebrities are actually “silver bullets” of fundraising, the trials and travails of working parents – especially those running nonprofits, and how many lawyers are secret, undercover rock stars. | |||
| S4 E8 -- "Hiring outside the Box" with Edward Amey, CEO of Jay Nolan | 21 Oct 2022 | 00:51:15 | |
Matt talks to Edward Amey, CEO of Jay Nolan Community Services, an organization that supports children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The pair discuss the mutually beneficial value of hiring adults with disabilities; what it takes to be the CEO of a nonprofit; the importance of having a supportive life partner; and why it took Matt getting chewed out by a client with a disability to realize, “Hey! They really ARE just like us!” | |||
| S4 E6 -- "Water is Life" with Erin Huber Rosen, founder of Drink Local, Drink Tap | 18 Aug 2022 | 00:53:53 | |
Matt talks to Erin Huber Rosen, founder and executive director of Drink Local, Drink Tap, a nonprofit based in Cleveland, Ohio dedicated to improving water equity through projects, programming and partnerships because they believe access to clean water is a human right.
The pair discuss what can be done on both a macro and micro scale to improve the sustainability of water and the environment. And Matt, once again, gets chastised for using single-use plastic and taking long showers (twice a day). | |||
| S4 E5 -- "An Overabundance of Chutzpah" with Bobbi Abram, CEO of Pasadena City College Foundation | 14 Jul 2022 | 01:00:23 | |
Matt talks to Bobbi Abram, CEO of the Pasadena City College Foundation.
The pair discuss everything from the college’s 30 million dollar grant from Mackenzie Scott to why Bobbi’s (and Ashley's) longtime home town, Kansas City, is located in two states. They debate the merits of getting a college degree at all, and they reveal how when they first met, Bobbi thought Matt had “an overabundance of chutzpah.” (She was not wrong!) | |||
| S4 E4 -- "Being Your Most Authentic Self" with Jamie Zavala, Executive Director of ArtworxLA | 23 Jun 2022 | 00:49:01 | |
Matt talks to Jamie Zavala, Executive Director of ArtworxLA, whose mission is to combat the epidemic high school dropout crisis by engaging students in arts programs that inspire them to stay in school and flourish as creative adults.
The pair discuss the positive impact the arts can have on impressionable teens, the patience the interview process takes, and the importance of being your most authentic self. Matt also makes it his mission to find Jamie a suitable suitor! | |||
| S4 E3 -- "Embracing Your 'Inner Chad'" with Genevieve Riutort, CEO of the Westside Food Bank | 07 Jun 2022 | 01:02:14 | |
Matt talks to Genevieve Riutort, the new CEO of the Westside Food Bank in Santa Monica, California, an organization whose mission is to end hunger in our communities by providing access to free nutritious food through food acquisition and distribution, and by engaging the community and advocating for a strong food assistance network.
With a global pandemic, inflation on the rise, and a scarcity of infant formula on the shelves, WSFB’s services have rarely been needed more than they are right now. Genevieve talks about the importance and impact of food banks, the best ways to help with food insecurity, and about her own journey from someone who needed food assistance herself, to now helping others. She also talks about her role as female CEO of color and how women should embrace their “*Inner Chad” (*TM Kim Peterson S2:E2) to get what they deserve. | |||
| S4 E2 -- "Beyond Fighting Fires" with Liz Lin, president of the LAFD Foundation | 03 May 2022 | 00:55:40 | |
Matt talks to Liz Lin, President of the LAFD Foundation, an organization whose mission is to supplement the fire department’s budget by providing first responders with essential equipment, new technology, and educational resources that would otherwise go unfunded.
The duo discusses the growing challenges faced by the LAFD as a result of the pandemic and the increase of wildfires in recent years; things people can do to better prepare themselves and their homes from fire danger, how robots are helping fight fires, and how learning all the acronyms the FD uses is like learning a foreign language. And, Matt learns a very special lesson: that firemen are so much more than just shirtless calendar eye candy. | |||
| S4 E1 -- "Erasing the Red Line" with Jasmin Shupper, Founder of the Greenline Housing Foundation | 12 Apr 2022 | 01:00:37 | |
Matt talks to Jasmin Shupper, Founder of the Greenline Foundation, an organization committed to combating redlining by trying to close the racial wealth gap and facilitate access to the wealth-building that home ownership affords, by giving grants to qualified people of color for down payments and home maintenance assistance.
The pair discuss the role systemic racism has played in keeping people of color (and other minorities) from having equal opportunity when it comes to access to homeownership; their common bond in having kick ass grandmothers who broke through nearly insurmountable barriers to become champions for minority home and land ownership; and what they would say to Oprah should she listen to this interview! | |||
| S3 E10 -- "A Creative Journey" with Shelby Williams-Gonzalez, President and CEO of Inner-City Arts | 24 Mar 2022 | 01:02:12 | |
Matt talks to Shelby Williams-Gonzalez, President and CEO of Inner-City Arts in downtown Los Angeles, an organization that believes in the transformational power of the arts, and whose mission is to engage young people in the creative process in order to shape a society of creative, confident and collaborative individuals.
The pair discuss the transition from artist to executive; how to build a strong team; the delicate balance a good leader strikes between delegation and ownership; and, most importantly, from where the term “shitfaced” is derived. | |||
| S3 E9 -- "Men in Tights," a conversation with Lori Laqua, Managing Director of the SMUIN Contemporary Ballet Company | 09 Mar 2022 | 00:53:11 | |
Matt talks to Lori Laqua, Managing Director of the SMUIN Contemporary Ballet Company in San Francisco.
The pair discuss the state and importance of the performing arts and artistic expression; the changing landscape of how we consume art; and how and what it means to have a career in the arts. The two also share a mutual appreciation for men in tights. | |||
| S3 E8 -- "Positive Self-Talk and Other Valuable Lessons" with Molly Snow, Executive Director of Girls on the Run, L.A. | 10 Feb 2022 | 00:58:50 | |
Matt talks to Molly Snow, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Los Angeles, a nonprofit that empowers the next generation of women through sport and mentorship, building confidence and developing social emotional skills that will benefit girls for a lifetime.
The pair discuss the importance of positive self-talk, how executive directors have to wear many hats in order to be successful, and ways to find joy during the pandemic. They also reminisce about the days before social media, when a Texas Instrument calculator was the height of technology. | |||
| S3 E7 -- "Thank you, Teachers" a conversation with Michele Broadnax, CEO of Los Angeles Education Partnership | 28 Jan 2022 | 01:03:49 | |
Matt talks to Michele Broadnax, CEO of the Los Angeles Education Partnership, a 38year-old educational equity nonprofit organization. primarily partnering with LAUSD, bringing forward education transformation from “diapers to diplomas.”
The pair discuss the importance of being a good fundraiser, how to best support teachers and your colleagues during the pandemic, and how being a mediocre student doesn’t keep you from being successful.
Plus, Matt “Mattsplains” how to best use celebrities to advance your organization. | |||
| S3 E6 -- "Nonprofit Lowdown on the Rocks" with Rhea Wong and Matt Kamin | 13 Jan 2022 | 00:59:07 | |
Matt talks to Rhea Wong, nonprofit consultant, fundraising expert and host of her own popular podcast – and yes, Nonprofit on the Rocks competitor, The Nonprofit Lowdown.
The pair discuss topics ranging from the importance of “The Ask,” how to engage your board in the fundraising plight, rethinking the rubber chicken gala, and how they can combine forces to take down those pesky “church podcasts.”
And as this is a “cross-over” event episode, and Rhea is going to air her own version of this episode on her podcast, they pair “flip the script,” and Rhea interviews Matt about Envision Consulting and his own nonprofit journey. It’s a great opportunity for listeners to learn more about our fabulous host and what he does and why! | |||
| S3 E5 -- "Finding Your Own Good Way" with Julie Lacouture, nonprofit strategist and founder of Good Ways, Inc. | 16 Dec 2021 | 01:01:50 | |
Matt talks to Julie Lacouture, fundraising strategist and founder of Good Ways, Inc. a consulting firm that helps nonprofits raise money, awareness and supporting digital tools. (She also co-hosts the podcast, “How We Run: Tips and Tales of Nonprofit Success” with Trent Stamp, but since they’re a competitor, we won’t mention that again.)
The pair discuss topics ranging from, “what makes a good ask?” to “how and when to approach your donors.” | |||
| S3 E4 -- "You Cannot Lead Unless You Serve," lessons on service and gratitude -- Heidi Johnson, Founder of Charity Matters | 23 Nov 2021 | 00:59:33 | |
Matt talks to Heidi Johnson, founder of Charity Matters, a nonprofit (and podcast) whose mission is to share the fascinating stories of innovators, entrepreneurs, and modern-day heroes who set out to solve the problems of humanity with their incredible journeys of service.
After tragedy struck Heidi’s life, she was struck with the notion that the best way through her grief was to get outside of herself by helping others. And thus, a life of service, and connecting people to causes, began. | |||
| S3 E3 "Embracing the Messy Middle" with Elissa Barrett, Executive Director of the Western Justice Center | 09 Nov 2021 | 00:51:38 | |
Matt talks to Elissa Barrett, Esq. Executive Director of the Western Justice Center, an organization that empowers people to strengthen their communities and build a healthy democracy by growing their conflict resolution skills, providing a much-needed, ”antidote to the politics of division gripping our nation.”
The pair discuss a wide range of complex topics and challenges facing our society such as, bridging the growing divide in our country, the importance of diversity hiring, and the evolving LGBTQIA+ experience. | |||
| S3 E2 -- "Stop the Rubber Chicken Dinner Insanity" Laurel Mintz, Founder and CEO of Elevate my Brand, global marketing expert | 03 Nov 2021 | 01:02:21 | |
Matt talks to Laurel Mintz, Founder and CEO of “Elevate my Brand,” a digital and experiential agency that helps corporate and nonprofit businesses alike to, as promised, “elevate their brand.”
Laurel dishes up her “secret sauce” to our listeners, helping them recognize the importance of setting a marketing budget and strategy, planning for events early, utilizing cross-promotions and multi-channel marketing platforms, and avoiding the dreaded “rubber chicken” gala dinners. | |||
| S3 E1 -- "You got Oprah to Donate" Afam Onyema, founder and CEO of GEANCO, transforming lives in Nigeria | 15 Oct 2021 | 01:04:21 | |
Matt talks to Afam Onyema, the founder and CEO of GEANCO, a family foundation, inspired by his father’s promise to improve healthcare and save lives in his homeland, Nigeria.
GEANCO saves and transform lives in Nigeria; fights disease and disability through free complex surgeries and maternal health and safe delivery; fights ignorance and gender inequality through the education and social support of young female victims of terrorism and sexism.
Oh, and Oprah is a donor. Yes, THAT Oprah. | |||
| 1. Matt and Producer Ashley do another "Halfy" | 22 Sep 2021 | 00:24:37 | |
Missed an episode in the last two seasons? No worries! Matt and Ashley walk you through some of the highlights of the first two seasons in this informative and entertaining half episode, or "halfy" | |||
| S2 E10 -- Diveheart founder Jim Elliott and paralympic archer, Ron Rispoli | 10 Sep 2021 | 00:53:17 | |
Matt talks to Jim Elliott, founder of Diveheart, an organization that provides support educational scuba diving programs to any child, adult or veteran with a disability, with the hope of providing both physical and psychological therapeutic value to that person.
Joining Matt and Jim is Ron Rispoli, a Diveheart board member and recreation therapist, educating and introducing young adults with severe physical disabilities to adaptive leisure activities, including scuba diving. Ron is also, himself, a Paralympic athlete in archery, having lost the use of his right arm in a childhood accident.
The gentlemen discuss how Jim and Ron each discovered Diveheart and the incredible effects that water therapy can have on all types of individuals. Matt reveals that he is an epileptic, and thus is unable to dive per his doctor’s orders—but in the future, he may be a *guinea pig to help researchers better understand his condition and how water therapy can help. The guys also explore why boards are important, what “in-kind donations” are, and define exactly to what “Chicagoland” refers. | |||
| S2 E9 Elena Brokaw -- Executive Director of The Museum of Ventura County | 19 Aug 2021 | 00:49:05 | |
Matt talks to Elena Brokaw, Executive Director of the Museum of Ventura County (and despite what her LinkedIn profile might say, she is the official--not the “interim” --director)
The pair discuss why Elena loves working for nonprofit, how she and her team saved the museum from imminent closure, how working for Parks & Rec in real life is nothing like the TV show, as well as Elena’s ambition to be discovered as “Annie” when she was growing up on an avocado farm. | |||
| S2 E8 -- Dr. Kristen Greer-Paglia, CEO of P.S. ARTS | 16 Jul 2021 | 00:55:34 | |
Matt talks to Dr. Kristen Greer-Paglia, CEO of P.S. ARTS, an organization that provides high quality arts education in dance, theater, music and visual arts to children in underfunded school districts that lack access to the arts.
Among the many topics covered, the pair explore how the arts and art therapy are vital to recognizing the different ways we express ourselves and communicate. They discuss the importance of treating all people with dignity, humanity and respect. And Kristen’s 50th birthday plans to recreate Dirty Dancing – she and Matt are going to do “the lift” (Matt will be jumping and Kristen will be lifting.) | |||
| S2 E7 -- Ed Tepporn, Executive Director of Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation | 24 Jun 2021 | 00:56:12 | |
Matt talks to Ed Tepporn—himself an immigrant, immigrating from Thailand to Texas in the 1970s, the Executive Director of the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, a former U.S. immigration Station that now serves to preserve the rich stories of Pacific Coast immigrants (from 80 different countries) and share them through educational initiatives and public programs. As Ed says, “connecting the history of the past with what’s happening today and in the future.”
The gentlemen discuss the spike in xenophobia, anti-immigration sentiments, and racism towards Asian-Americans in this country as a result of the pandemic. They decry their mutual challenges of being “otherized” as gay men—and for Ed, gay and Asian—and celebrate the wins of the right to marry their husbands and the legal protections marriage affords, as well as commend the contributions and positive impact of immigrants on US society and culture. | |||
| S2 E6 -- Amy Turk, CEO of the Downtown Women's Center in Los Angeles | 08 Jun 2021 | 00:56:08 | |
Matt talks to Amy Turk, CEO of the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles, an organization whose mission is to end homelessness for women in greater Los Angeles through housing, wellness, employment, and advocacy.
The pair discuss the importance of trauma informed care and the mindset shift from, “what’s wrong with this person?” to, “what happened to this person?” They debate the merits of homeless shelters vs. permanent housing solutions, and celebrate the presence of the long overdue conversation about how systemic racism can lead to homelessness.
We also learn that Amy considers researchers to be celebrities and both Matt and Amy warn listeners about the dangerous pitfalls of the “reply all” email. | |||
| S2 E5.5 -- Matt and producer, Ashley do "a halfy" episode | 28 May 2021 | 00:18:37 | |
Matt and Ashley reveal the results of the Twitter poll as to what to call the show's followers, debate what a unicorn smells like and whether or not podcast awards are called "poddies;" introduce "Mattsplains Across America," and discuss the very real challenge of having to wear pants to work again in a post-pandemic era. | |||
| S2 E5 -- Fran Reilly, Executive Director of News Leaders Association in Washington DC | 14 May 2021 | 00:47:25 | |
Matt talks to Fran Reilly, executive director of News Leaders Association in Washington, DC., a n organization that provides a network of support for journalists, especially helping new journalists develop leadership skills through mentoring and networking.
Matt and Fran discuss the changing landscape of journalism; the rise of online readership and the concurrent rise of sources that lack credibility; the increase of a need to protect the free press, and how to successfully fundraise—even during challenging times. | |||
| S2 E4 -- Nick Arquette, founder of Walk with Sally | 06 May 2021 | 01:00:08 | |
Matt talks to Nick Arquette (yup, he’s one of those Arquettes) the founder of Walk with Sally, an organization dedicated to supporting people—especially children—who have lost a loved one to cancer. Nick’s mom died of cancer when he was a teenager and the impact of that lost changed his life forever. As a result, he has dedicated much of his life to helping make sure others who experience this tragedy are not alone in their journey through grief. | |||
| S2 E3 -- Mark Loranger, President and CEO of Chrysalis | 23 Apr 2021 | 00:50:30 | |
Matt talks to Mark Loranger, President and CEO of Chrysalis, a nonprofit devoted to helping people overcome barriers to employment and find and retain jobs.
The gentlemen discuss topics ranging from viable ways to help stem the homeless crisis in this country, as well as whether or not Matt’s Botox injections will make him look like George Hamilton in 10 years and if people working at foundations can outdrink them or not. | |||
| S2 E2 Kim Peterson -- Aviva Family and Children's Services VP of Change Management | 06 Apr 2021 | 00:55:42 | |
Matt talks to Kim Peterson, Vice President of Change Management at Aviva Family and Children’s Services. What is Change Management, you ask? We asked Kim that question, too. Tune in for the detailed response.
Matt and Kim also talk about DEI (or is it EDI?) and what nonprofits could be doing better, and reminisce about their bygone days of clubbing in West Hollywood. This episode has it all. | |||
| S2 E1 Jen Levy -- Founder and Executive Director of Beverly Hills Community Farm | 23 Mar 2021 | 00:54:33 | |
Matt talks to his high school pal, Jen Levy, the founder and Executive Director of the Beverly Hills Community Farm, an organization that cultivates greater health and well-being, by growing local food with hands-on community involvement.
Jen advocates for sustainability via hydroponic farming, shorter showers, the elimination of single-use plastic and trying sorrel (aka “lemonade in a leaf”) Matt advocates for drinking Four Roses bourbon, the elimination of flushing after just peeing, and for voting for David as the hottest of all the 90210 guys. | |||
| S1 E10 Wendy Carpenter -- CEO of Penny Lane, youth and family service centers | 11 Mar 2021 | 00:45:50 | |
Matt talks to Wendy Carpenter, CEO of Penny Lane, a nonprofit that helps empower children, youth and families by providing essential services to help them reach their highest potential.
Wendy talks about how challenges in her childhood helped prepare her for the work she does today, and the importance and power of empathy. Matt shares the importance of not firing someone with the door closed, unless you're the closest to the door or an open window from which you can escape.
This episode is full of both heart and humor; don't miss it! | |||