Explore every episode of the podcast From the Nest with Charity Jen
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFP ICON Series : Jesse Park - Fundraising Futures | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:07:39 | |
In this episode recorded live from AFP ICON, Charity Jen welcomes Jesse Park, President of Amplify, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of fundraising. Stepping out from behind the exhibit booth to fully experience his first ICON as an attendee, Jesse shares his three intentional goals: connect with fundraisers, dig deep into data trends, and fuel creative collaboration across the sector. From conversations with international peers to the insights sparked by new research reports, Jesse unpacks how data storytelling and visionary thinking are pointing toward a paradigm shift in how nonprofits operate. If you’re looking for a forward-thinking perspective on where our sector is headed—and how to build it together—this episode is a must-listen. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com Here are some notable moments from this episode: 00:00 – Welcome and intro to Jesse Park of Amplify 01:11 – Jesse’s 3 goals for attending AFP ICON 02:04 – Building deeper relationships with AFP chapters 03:52 – Takeaways from global and local conversations 04:30 – A paradigm shift in nonprofit fundraising See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| AFP ICON Series : Sarah Miller - Community, Connection, and Capacity | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:07:21 | |
In this energizing AFP ICON conversation, Charity Jen sits down with Sarah Miller—consultant with Palmetto Philanthropy and President-Elect of AFP DC—to explore how nonprofit professionals can lead with resilience even in times of uncertainty. Sarah opens up about the emotional toll of nonprofit work, the fatigue many leaders are facing, and the importance of building community to stay connected, grounded, and inspired. Live from Seattle, the two discuss their shared board service with AFP DC, how ICON fosters collaboration across chapters, and why wellness initiatives like hikes and retreats might be exactly what fundraisers need. If you’re navigating burnout or searching for fresh ways to support your nonprofit peers, this episode offers thoughtful reflection and practical takeaways you’ll want to bring back to your team. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com Here are some notable moments from the episode: 00:00 – Welcome to the AFP ICON Series with Sarah Miller 01:34 – Sarah on the challenges facing today’s nonprofits 02:47 – Finding hope and energy in community 04:06 – Takeaways for AFP DC: wellness, collaboration, and innovation 05:44 – Nuggets of wisdom and book recs from the conference See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| AFP ICON Series : Bart Lillie - Building Community, Not Just Content | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:08:59 | |
What makes a great fundraising conference? For Bart Lillie, it’s all about the people. In this special AFP ICON edition of From the Nest, host Charity Jen catches up with Bart—Vice President of Partner Engagement at Synergy—to talk about the true value of attending events like AFP ICON. Bart shares how community, not just content, keeps him coming back year after year, and how these shared moments spark opportunities, partnerships, and personal growth. Recorded live from the buzz of Seattle’s convention center, Bart reflects on some of his favorite ICON takeaways, including a powerful keynote by astronaut José Hernández and the emerging role of AI in nonprofit work. Whether you’re new to fundraising or a seasoned pro, this conversation is a reminder that connection is at the heart of our sector—and that sometimes, the best breakthroughs start with a casual hallway hello. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com Here are some notable highlights: 00:00 – Jen kicks off the AFP ICON Series 01:25 – Bart shares what makes ICON special 03:38 – AI in fundraising and a must-read book 05:53 – Bart’s favorite keynote: Astronaut José Hernández 07:38 – Closing thoughts and gratitude See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Unlocking the Power of Creative Fundraising | Greg Ng | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:52:23 | |
Join us for an insightful episode of "From the Nest with Charity Jen," where Greg Ng, CEO of a consulting firm specializing in customer insight, shares his journey of creating transformative non-profit events. Over a decade ago, Greg forged a deep connection with a local NC food bank, driven by his personal commitment to the cause. At the time, serving as the CMO of Brooks Bell, his expertise in marketing and video production sparked a revolutionary idea - a 24-hour internet streaming telethon aimed at raising awareness and funds for the food bank. Despite initial apprehensions, the telethon was a monumental success, attracting widespread media attention and making a significant impact on the community. Greg's story exemplifies the power of community engagement and innovative thinking in driving meaningful change. His experience underscores the profound impact that skilled individuals can have when they channel their talents and passion into non-profit initiatives. This episode is a must-listen for non-profit fundraisers seeking inspiration and practical insights into leveraging creative ideas for maximum impact. Discover how you, too, can make a difference and inspire others to contribute to worthy causes. Follow and subscribe to From the Nest at olasmedia.com The key moments in this episode are:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Success at the Summit | Audrey M. Johnson | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:45:29 | |
Audrey M. Johnson is a portrait of success. Not only a VP of Institutional Advancement for the Children’s Defense Fund and President AFP, DC Chapter but also the Chapter President’s Council Representative for AFP Global and advocate for IDEA principles. But nothing was more rewarding than her climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Hear what happened at the summit! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Inside Consulting: The Secret Formula | Leesa Harwood | 07 Jun 2023 | 00:36:44 | |
The Owner of By the Waves Charity Consulting joins Jen from the beach of Dorset England to share how she launched her firm prior to the pandemic. Leesa Harwood shares her fascinating approach to selecting clients and how that has led to a brand new hobby!· · (Originally aired 5June23) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| From the Stage to Major Gifts | Liz Marafino-Fiola | 05 Jun 2023 | 00:40:50 | |
Liz Marafino-Fiola is the Major Gifts Officer, Villanova University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jen gets her to reveal her journey from the theater to a Development professional. They discuss the value in building professional networks and optimizing educational opportunities to reach meaningful career goals. (Originally aired 5June23) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| How to Make Big Moves and Win | Anessa Rios-Ezeude | 04 Jun 2023 | 00:38:58 | |
Anessa Rios-Ezeude. Director of Annual Giving, University of Houston shares the challenges and rewards of her nonprofit sector transitions. Jen highlights the importance of mentors and how they have played a major role in both their career growth. Anessa also reveals a heartwarming story that emerged from a special weekend celebration. (Originally aired 5June23) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| From Passion Comes Support | Doug Hodges | 30 May 2023 | 00:39:52 | |
For this first episode, Jen chats with Doug Hodges, Executive Director of SwingPals in Durham, North Carolina. Learn how he went from $85K to $500K with pure passion for his mission. Doug recalls the pre-COVID introduction with Jen at a Charity Chat in 2020 and how the fundraising fundamentals from that meeting helped to an emboldened relationship with the school system in Durham where he is now leading SwingPals into a groundbreaking $500K capital campaign while featuring cameos from his dog. (Originally aired 5June23) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What is From the Nest? A Podcast Preview with Charity Jen | 29 May 2023 | 00:06:17 | |
Coming this Summer, OLAS Media is proud to present From the Nest with Charity Jen. Join Jen Newmeyer as she hosts her first season of this new podcast featuring leaders and impactors in the Nonprofit Development field. In this preview episode, learn the impetus of From the Nest and who CharityJen is. (Originally aired 29May23) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||