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.

In this installment of the podcast, we’ll talk to Dr. Tom Seals. He is a retired professor, husband, veteran, and, of course, volunteer who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Although many people take their well-earned rest at the age of eighty-five, he is busy helping veterans find a sense of hope.

Dr. Seals served in the Marines when he was young, and he has spent a lot of time since then working with veterans in various capacities. Two years ago, he helped found God’s Word for Warriors. This nonprofit works to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life through various programs and classes.

“We all need help,” Dr. Seals says, adding that “We all have our issues.” He also shares, “One of the biggest problems Veterans face is coming home and acclimating back in society,” and God’s Word for Warriors is helping them to accomplish this.

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

Read Tom's blog post at 

www.doinggood.tv/blog.

Learn More About God’s Word for Warriors:

https://www.godswordforwarriors.com/

In this installment of the Doing Good podcast, we’ll meet Amanda Root. She is a mother, wife, and the founder and executive director of the Middle Tennessee non-profit, Hope’s Bridge.

The vision of the organization began in Amanda’s own family when they decided to adopt their two youngest children. Through that process, she felt called to use the knowledge and experience she had gained to help other kids like hers.

Today, Hope’s Bridge is a trail blazing non-profit that helps to keep kids out of state custody. They do this by finding temporary placements when needed and facilitating adoptions.

Amanda says that Hope’s Bridge aims to “remove monetary value from God’s children.” Their foster families do not receive financial compensation, and Hope’s Bridge does not get any money from adoption fees. Amanda is so passionate about this value, in fact, that she does most of her work for Hope’s Bridge on a volunteer basis. The unlikely model seems to be working as Hope’s Bridge continues to expand to serve Tennessee. Listen to learn more about this phenomenal woman and the work that she does.

Learn more about Hope’s Bridge here:

https://hopesbridgetn.com/

Meet Toby Swager, an avid volunteer who lives in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

Toby goes above and beyond to live out his motto “be the good.” He volunteers full-time with the local nonprofit Walking with Swager, which he founded in 2016, and still finds time to help out at his church and volunteer with the city of Goodlettsville.

Walking with Swager is a multi-faceted organization with several major initiatives, including the Good Works program which helps Tennesseans get back on their feet after natural disasters and personal emergencies. Another initiative is assisting local nonprofits get off the ground.

Toby’s determination is fueled by his conviction that the actions of individual volunteers really do matter. He is convinced that everyone, regardless of background, economic status, or physical limitations, can make a difference.

“If each person would just serve one,” he says, “we’d change this world.”

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

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 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.

Bryson McCarley is a father, husband, and business owner in Hendersonville, TN. In this episode, Doing Good celebrates Bryson’s passion of taking care of caretakers throughout his community. He serves to fundraise for many nonprofits by combining his personal passions, business mind, and resources to serve over 17,000 teachers and being “a good neighbor” through work at State Farm. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv     Read Bryson’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.

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.

In celebration of Black History Month, we would like to highlight a previously featured volunteer, Natalie Bell, and her unique passion that combines her love of history with volunteerism.

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 501c3 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

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

After a troublesome divorce, Beverly Powers combined her lifelong passions for horses and volunteering to ease her own recovery as well as others’. Listen to her stories of life, love, passion, values, and personal healing in her episode of the Doing Good podcast. Learn how she volunteers at Freedom Reigns Ranch and its role throughout her self-sustaining journey, including her life coaching business. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv. Read Beverly’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.

Paul Dougall is a father, widower, and long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. Through it and his work for Nissan North America, he shares experiences volunteering for Second Harvest Food Bank and his local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. He also individually volunteers for Nashville Rescue Mission, Hands on Nashville, and Alzheimer's Association. His stories illustrate how one person can impact his community in times of need – as an individual, alongside others, and with his family despite living in different areas of the country. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv  Read Paul’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

This week we’ll meet Pastor Luis Sura. This Franklin, Tennessee pastor says that he has been volunteering since before he knew what the word meant, and now he does so in an official capacity. While he holds a part-time job as an assistant pastor, he also runs the nonprofit Better Options TN, which was founded in 2016.

Better Options TN has several initiatives, including mentoring and ESL classes, but its main focus is helping people find housing, filling a big need in the community. Pastor Sura explains that there are many places to get help with clothes or food, but this is one of the few organizations that offers assistance with rent and finding housing. 

Although it is a huge time commitment, Pastor Sura loves his volunteer work. He says that it is essential for people to volunteer with something they love doing.

“When you love what you do,” he says, “even when they don't pay you, you enjoy it.”

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

Read Pastor Sura's blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.

Learn more about Better Options TN at https://betteroptionstn.com.

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

Keisha Felton is a wife and mother who works full-time and founded a young nonprofit named Project E3. It sends low-income children to summer camp to empower them with various new experiences – such as teaching them to swim or build robots. These fun social activities keep the children engaged, help prevent the academic summer slide, and perhaps open doors and imagination for future Olympians, engineers, or rocket scientists. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv

Bart Brammer lives a full life despite his early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. He has made it his mission to educate on and create awareness of the importance of catching Alzheimer’s early. He volunteers in a variety of ways with the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Tennessee, and Vista Points. Listen to his podcast episode to learn, understand, and be inspired. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv

I don’t rescue dogs, dogs rescue me,” says Bernice Karnett. Her mission is to help shelter dogs who have suffered from neglect, abuse, and instability find their forever homes, particularly those who are behaviorally challenged. This retired physician volunteers for Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control, Animal Rescue Corps, and Williamson County Animal Shelter. Listen as Bernice shares how she helps “dogs become dogs again.” Bernice lives near Nashville, TN. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv

Ann Marie Nordgren works at the Wilson County CASA nonprofit and volunteers for another, Wilson Rides. This caring mother shares why she views volunteering as a way to help others and an opportunity to learn from those who are vulnerable while expanding one’s own perspective. 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

Idella Hansen’s passion for volunteering stems from her grandmother’s involvement in their hometown church years ago. Due to her career of driving for 54 years, Idella volunteers at many trucking organizations including CDL TEAR, Real Women in Trucking, Trucker’s Christmas Group, and Operation Roger. Listen as Idella shares unforgettable stories about drivers who have been stranded, injured, or otherwise fallen on hard times, as well as how she pulls together resources to benefit the nonprofits and their clients. Idella lives in Camden, Arkansas. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv

In this week's episode of "Doing Good," join us as we delve into the world of making a positive impact through understanding dyslexia. Our host, Megan, engages with Leah Marcus, a passionate volunteer and graduate student, who discusses her journey with dyslexia and her involvement with Learning Matters, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting students with dyslexia. Leah sheds light on dyslexia's challenges, its impact on learning, and the importance of specialized instruction. Discover how she uses social media to spread awareness, provides valuable resources, and shares personal stories of transformation. Tune in to gain insights into dyslexia, its hidden struggles, and the empowerment it brings to individuals and communities. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit.

In this podcast episode, join us as we speak with Michael Freeman, a true embodiment of the spirit of service. With an unyielding sense of adventure, fearlessness, and a heart full of compassion, Michael's life is dedicated to making a difference. From his work in the public sector and service in the National Guard to his extensive volunteering with water-related non-profits in the southeastern United States, Michael's journey is a testament to the power of giving back. He shares insights into the differences between his career and volunteer work, the range of activities he engages in, and the deep impact of building relationships through volunteering. With stories of thwarting environmental harm, providing support during emergencies, and speaking passionately on behalf of non-profits, Michael's experiences underscore the incredible potential of volunteering to create positive change. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit.

Martin Plumlee finds inspiration to volunteer from his family, West Point experience, and his faith. He contributes to various organizations including High Hopes, Rotary Club, and Reboot Recovery, among others. Listen as Martin shares the joy and peace he gains from aiding others, recommends several organizations, and emphasizes a vital message about mental wellness. Martin was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, where he lives with his wife, two children, and three dogs. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit.

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.

Tanya Kanney has been a dedicated volunteer for children since high school. As the founder of Orphans to Royalty, her passion for people comes from God and the example set by her mother in soup kitchens. Listen as Tanya speaks about the origin of Orphans to Royalty, the sometimes “muddy” side of volunteering, and how to get involved volunteering in your passions. Tanya resides in Austin, Texas, and has previously volunteered at organizations such as Junior Achievement and Rotaract Club. 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

John Richardson finds immense joy and wisdom in both older and younger individuals, and his volunteerism reflects this. He volunteers for the Boy Scouts of America, Tres Dias, and local government as an Officer of Elections for the Davidson County Election Commission. Hear his passion, reasons for volunteering, and how he benefits from serving others on this Doing Good podcast episode. John lives in Nashville, Tennessee. This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv

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 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

Anna Kate Roberson is a determined fourteen-year-old who doesn’t let her autism diagnosis get in the way of her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She volunteers at two horse rescue centers where she is able to help with the horses and gain valuable experience.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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

Cylinda Smith shares her story on volunteerism with Roberta's House in Baltimore,Maryland. As a mother,grandmother and community leader, she also shares stories on serving various program efforts as grief counselor and minister.

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This is the last of five episodes when I am humbled to step in with a mini-series on volunteering so our podcast editor volunteers can enjoy a well-deserved break. In this mini-series, we’re breaking volunteering down into age groups. Prior episodes targeted retirees, the majority of the working adult population, and college-age – slash-young professionals. This week is about children and youth. I am here today to personally encourage children and youth to volunteer. Because of this, you may be a child, a pre-teen, a teenager, or one of their parents. I am glad you’re each here!

This is the fourth of five episodes when I am humbled to step in with a mini-series on volunteering so our podcast editor volunteers can enjoy a well-deserved break. In this mini-series, we’re breaking volunteering down into age groups. The prior episodes targeted retirees and the majority of the working adult population. This week is college age – slash-young professionals, and next week is about children and youth.

In this mini-series, we’re breaking volunteering down into age groups. Last week’s episode was about retirees and spouses. Today’s is about the working adult population. And the next two weeks are for college age – slash-young professionals then children and youth.

Now, everyone’s heard the phrase “everyone can make a difference.” But, do they really mean it? I say yes. I’m breaking it down to age groups to show you, or remind you, how you can make a difference.

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.

Farhana Ali has also made huge contributions while sharing her volunteering roots in her community, with her children, husband and as head treasurer and board of directors at Texas Muslim Women's Foundation in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.

Music from Uppbeat

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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

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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

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Rashed Fakhruddin shares his involvement and family involvement with various non-profits and passion for volunteering through his own personal life changing events and stories.

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In this episode of the Doing Good podcast, we talk with Jill Pratt. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Jill is a wife, mom, and the head of The Jiselle Lauren Foundation. This organization provides grants for care not traditionally covered by insurance to families of children with disabilities and aims to “help kiddos with disabilities experience joy.”

This cause is very close to Jill’s heart as her oldest daughter, Jiselle, has a rare disorder. Following Jiselle’s diagnosis, Jill began volunteering and eventually founded The Jiselle Lauren Foundation to help others “who weren’t as lucky as we were” along their journey.

“Part of it is sharing our story,” she says. “You hope you can be a person of light to somebody going through a tough time,” adding they “want to inspire joy and happiness.”

Learn more about this family’s journey through The Jiselle Lauren Foundation and check out the Rett Syndrome Research Trust.

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

In this week's episode, Ashraf Yassin talks about and reflects on the importance of volunteerism, the impact it has on his life and others within his community of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and how his upbringing and family back home in his country of Jordan inspired him to continue to give back!

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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.

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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.

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