Explore every episode of the podcast Running With the Bulls

In this episode of Running with the Bulls, Matt Elliott sits down with Kathy Johnson, CEO of Oak City Cares, to talk about what it really takes to support people experiencing homelessness in Wake County. Kathy shares how Oak City Cares has grown from a small team into a community hub that now connects thousands of people each year with housing resources, healthcare, meals, case management, and dozens of partner organizations. The conversation explores why collaboration matters, how thoughtful systems can remove barriers for people in crisis, and what makes Wake County's approach stand out.

Kathy also shares her own journey into nonprofit leadership, from working in domestic violence and foster care to leading one of the region's most innovative organizations. Along the way, she talks about the role of trust, trauma-informed care, data-driven decision making, and why real change happens when organizations work together instead of in silos.

Whether you're passionate about community impact, nonprofit leadership, or simply want a better understanding of the challenges facing our neighbors, this is a conversation that's well worth your time.

In this episode of Running with the Bulls, Matt Elliott sits down with Erin Day, Executive Director of Community Impact North Carolina, to discuss the organization's work helping communities prevent substance misuse through education, collaboration, and evidence-based prevention strategies. Aaron also shares the personal experiences that inspired his career and how those experiences continue to shape his passion for supporting families across North Carolina.

Matt and Erin explore the importance of community coalitions, the evolving challenges surrounding fentanyl and other substances, and why prevention starts long before addiction. They also discuss reducing the stigma around substance use disorders, equipping parents with age-appropriate conversations, and building stronger communities through education, partnerships, and proactive support.

Whether you're a parent, educator, healthcare professional, or community leader, this episode offers practical perspectives on prevention, compassion, and the role each of us can play in creating healthier, more resilient communities.

In this episode of Running with the Bulls, Matt Elliott sits down with Kerry Brock, Chief Operating Officer of El Futuro, to discuss the organization's mission of expanding access to culturally responsive mental health care across North Carolina. Kerry shares her journey from nonprofit consulting to community-based leadership and explains why she was drawn to an organization focused on serving Latino families through a more holistic approach to mental wellness.

Throughout the conversation, Matt and Kerry explore the barriers many families face when seeking mental health care, the importance of meeting people where they are, and how El Futuro is building programs that extend beyond traditional clinical services. Kerry also shares the story of a young woman whose experience with El Futuro's leadership program gave her the confidence to speak openly about her own mental health and encourage others to do the same.

Whether you work in healthcare, the nonprofit sector, or simply care about building stronger, healthier communities, this episode offers an insightful look at how innovative, community-centered approaches can expand access to care and create lasting impact for individuals and families.

In this episode of Running with the Bulls, Matt Elliott sits down with Caitlin Clinard, President of Angel Oak Creative, to explore the power of storytelling, branding, and strategic marketing in the nonprofit sector. Caitlin shares her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind launching Angel Oak Creative, and how her team helps mission-driven organizations connect more effectively with donors, volunteers, and the communities they serve.

The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of nonprofit marketing, the importance of authentic storytelling, building strong brands that inspire action, and the role creativity plays in driving meaningful impact. Caitlin also discusses trends she's seeing across the nonprofit sector, common communication challenges organizations face, and practical advice for leaders looking to strengthen their outreach and engagement efforts.

Whether you're a nonprofit executive, marketer, fundraiser, or business leader, this episode offers valuable insights on how clear messaging and compelling stories can help organizations grow their influence and advance their mission.

In this episode of Running with the Bulls, Matt Elliott sits down with Leigh Ann Miller, Vice President of Philanthropy at NeighborUp, to discuss the realities of financial hardship in Western Wake County, the power of community-driven solutions, and the role nonprofits play in creating both immediate relief and long-term opportunity.

Leigh Ann shares the story behind the merger of Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministries, the organization's rebrand to Neighbor Up, and how their mission of providing "help for today and hope for tomorrow" is impacting thousands of local families.

The conversation explores modern philanthropy, fundraising challenges, nonprofit innovation, rising costs of living, and why many struggling families don't fit the stereotypes people often associate with poverty. Leigh Ann also offers powerful insights on community engagement, servant leadership, and what it truly means to be a good neighbor. 

This episode is a reminder that meaningful impact often starts with a single step, and a great conversation for anyone looking to make a difference in their organization or local community!

In this week’s episode Laura Martin, Chief Outreach Officer at Step Up Ministries joins Matt Elliott on Running with the Bulls. A seasoned professional in the Nonprofit sector here in the Triangle, Laura brings 20 years of service to the Raleigh community. Laura proudly serves on the board of directors for The Encouraging Place, Cary Community Foundation, as well as past experience as an Executive Director and Volunteer Coordinator at Dress for Success Triangle and Oak City Cares. 

During this conversation, Laura and Matt dive into the impact and community betterment focus that embodies Step Up Ministries mission, and what initially drew Laura to the nonprofit space. Step Up Ministries is a community focused nonprofit that gives individuals the tools to gain independence through job security and life skills training, with nearly 10,000 participants across all programs and 307 volunteers. 

The discussion also centers around the importance of collaboration, the misconceptions around poverty and homelessness in society, and the steps that need to be taken to address it. In addition, common myths about nonprofit business processes are refuted by the vast majority of leaders and community representatives who prioritize a focus on partnerships and impact strengthening.

Tune in to this episode for some wonderful stories of hope and life changing opportunities, as well as thought provoking commentary on what makes a successful nonprofit thrive in an industry where the stakes are so high. Laura’s own experiences that led her to being in such an impactful position at Step Up Ministries are great anecdotes for anyone looking to improve their focus on community and civic enhancement!

This week on Running with the Bulls, Danny Rosin joins Matt Elliott on the show to talk about the importance of community and cooperation in relationships at the heart of the nonprofit sector. Danny has years of experience in the nonprofit sector, serves on multiple boards and spearheads Band Together, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that raises money for the community through the power of live music.

During their discussion, Danny and Matt touch on a variety of topics relating to nonprofit engagement, succession planning, the importance of collaboration, legacy, and fostering growth through meaningful connections and choosing the right people for the job.

Danny's experience in the brand and merchandising space with his company Brand Fuel, a Certified B Corporation, enhances the way he is able to see the nonprofit sector and the areas in which leaders can maximize their strengths, while simultaneously reinforcing their core mission and identity to foster positive change in the community.

Listen in to hear more about Danny's journey from high school detention to working as a scrub nurse in the Philippines at 15 years old, and how those formative experiences in his youth shaped what would ultimately become a thriving nonprofit providing live music for social change, raising nearly $16 million to date.

A great episode for anyone working in or adjacent to the nonprofit sector, this is an episode packed with stories, laughs and anecdotes that you won't want to miss!

Brandi Gerew of Pinnacle Financial Partners joins Matt Elliot on Running With the Bulls to talk about what it means to make banking a true relationship for nonprofits. Drawing on her background as a former nonprofit executive director and her current work supporting organizations across the Triangle, Brandi shares how financial partners can help nonprofits strengthen their operations, navigate uncertainty, and keep more resources moving toward their missions.

Brandi and Matt discuss nonprofit funding challenges, the importance of strategic planning, vendor relationships, donor engagement, and why collaboration matters across the sector. Brandi also shares her perspective on building meaningful professional relationships, growing a strong network, and showing up consistently for the organizations and people you serve.

The conversation also highlights the role of community reinvestment, nonprofit board service, and Brandi’s passion for helping organizations find opportunities, connections, and financial strategies that support long-term impact.

Listen in for an interesting lens around nonprofit funding and financial practice, including key points on what organizations can do to better manage their capital and funding!

Brooke Jenkins, Partner at Moss+Ross, joins Running With the Bulls to discuss what nonprofits should know before launching a major capital campaign. Drawing on her experience in fundraising, strategic planning, and nonprofit consulting, Brooke breaks down the key elements every organization should consider: an inspiring goal, a compelling case for support, strong donor prospects, and committed leadership.

In this episode, Brooke and Matt explore how nonprofits can prepare for campaigns, engage major donors, use feasibility studies, and define success beyond simply hitting a fundraising number. Brooke also shares why campaigns can strengthen annual giving, deepen donor relationships, and build a stronger culture of philanthropy across an organization.

The conversation content touches on leadership, organization, AI as a fundraising tool, and the importance of bringing your genuine self to nonprofit work. Whether you’re preparing for a campaign or thinking about long-term fundraising strategy, this episode offers practical insight for nonprofit leaders and teams.

Tune in to hear more about what makes a successful nonprofit campaign, as well as fundamental processes that support incremental growth practices!

Chris Budnick, Executive Director of Healing Transitions, joins the show to share his personal path into recovery work and the long-standing mission behind one of Raleigh’s most impactful organizations. With more than two decades of leadership at Healing Transitions, Chris reflects on the people, relationships, and moments that shaped his commitment to serving individuals experiencing addiction and homelessness.

In this conversation, Chris and Matt discuss what makes Healing Transitions’ model different, why peer support and community are central to recovery, and how hope can become the first step toward lasting change. They also explore the connection between addiction and homelessness, the importance of redefining success, and the powerful ripple effects recovery can have on families, systems, and the broader community.

Listeners will also hear how they can support Healing Transitions through tours, events, and simply choosing to believe that recovery is possible. This episode is a thoughtful look at dignity, resilience, and the human stories behind nonprofit impact.

Listen along for powerful stories of success and retribution, along with intriguing comments on community betterment and providing resources for those in need!

In this episode, co-founder Matt Elliott is joined by Maggie Kane, founder & executive director of A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can café. Maggie shares the story behind creating a space where everyone, regardless of means, can gather around good food, dignity, and community.

The conversation explores the power of nonprofit collaboration, building authentic community connections, and the impact A Place at the Table has had across the Triangle. Maggie also reflects on volunteer engagement, leadership, and why creating spaces of belonging matters just as much as addressing food insecurity.

Plus, hear about some of the exciting community events happening around the café, including Singles Pitch Night and the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo. Whether you’re passionate about nonprofits, local impact, or community-building, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Listen in for a high-energy start to your day plus thought provoking content around growing a nonprofit business and community connections!

In the debut episode of the Data Bull Video Series, Matt Elliott sits down with Kristine Sloan, Executive Director of Leadership Triangle, to discuss the current state of the nonprofit sector across North Carolina’s Triangle region.

Together, they explore the growing challenges nonprofits are facing, including declining funding, increased demand for services, donor engagement shifts, burnout, collaboration opportunities, and the importance of measuring long-term community impact. Kristine shares insights from working with hundreds of nonprofits locally, while Matt brings perspective from Data Bull’s work helping organizations simplify and better utilize their data.

The conversation also dives into common misconceptions around nonprofit fundraising, how organizations can build stronger donor relationships, and why outcome-driven storytelling is becoming more important than ever in today’s funding environment.

Tune in for a practical and candid discussion for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and community organizations navigating change in a rapidly evolving sector!