The Common Good Data Podcast

Why do strong behavioral health programs still struggle to demonstrate their impact?Many of the organizations I work with are doing incredibly important work. You are supporting prevention initiatives, expanding access to treatment, helping families navigate mental health challenges, and strengthening communities.But when it comes time to demonstrate impact and secure funding, many leaders feel less confident than they should.In this episode, I walk through five common challenges I regularly see across behavioral health organizations and explain why these issues are rarely about lack of commitment or effort. More often, they come down to systems, strategy, and alignment.In this episode I discuss:• Why fragmented reporting systems make impact difficult to track• What happens when no one clearly owns data and evaluation• The difference between measuring outputs and demonstrating outcomes• Why many organizations have the data but struggle to tell a compelling story• How leaders often become the bottleneck in reporting and evaluation systemsI also introduce a framework I use with clients to think about alignment across clarity, impact, and funding, and share a short diagnostic tool designed specifically for behavioral health leaders.You can take the Clarity, Impact, and Funding Resilience Scorecard here:👉 https://commongooddata.scoreapp.comThe assessment takes about 5–10 minutes and provides a personalized report that can help you identify where your organization may need stronger systems to demonstrate impact and secure sustainable funding.If you work in behavioral health, nonprofit leadership, prevention, or public health, I hope this episode helps you think more strategically about how your organization measures impact and communicates its value.Subscribe for more conversations about data, evaluation, and strategy in the social sector.

Are numbers enough to tell the full story of your impact? In this episode of the Common Good Data podcast, Drew Reynolds sits down with Cheralynn Corsack, founder of Local Insight Studio, to explore how mixed methods evaluation can produce deeper, more actionable insight, especially in rural communities.Evaluation conversations often center on numbers. Outputs. Outcomes. KPIs. But data alone rarely captures the nuance of lived experience. Cheralynn explains how pairing quantitative data with qualitative insight, including interviews, focus groups, and participatory analysis, reveals dimensions of impact that surveys alone cannot surface.The conversation explores:• What mixed methods evaluation actually means in practice• Why participatory approaches are especially powerful in rural communities• How qualitative insight can reshape and deepen quantitative findings• The challenges of data access and representation in rural contexts• Moving from deficit based narratives to asset based framing• Translating evaluation findings into language communities can understand and useCheralynn also discusses the importance of relationship building, trust, and co-creation in evaluation work, and why sharing findings back to communities is not optional but essential.If you work in nonprofits, philanthropy, or community initiatives and want your evaluation work to be rigorous, human centered, and useful, this episode offers practical insight you can apply immediately.Learn more about Cheralynn and Local Insight Studio at localinsightstudio.comExplore Common Good Data’s free course, Break the Starvation Cycle, at commongooddata.com/coursesSubscribe for more conversations on evaluation, strategy, and data for social impact.

In early 2026, I watched nearly $2 billion in proposed cuts to SAMHSA funding send shockwaves through the mental health and substance use field. Organizations lost grants. Staff lost jobs. Longstanding programs appeared to end overnight. Then, within 24 hours, the funding was reinstated.In this episode, I reflect on how nonprofit and social sector leaders can learn from that moment and use nonpartisan strategies for advocacy. I share three core lessons that I believe every organization needs to internalize in the current funding environment.Key Lessons:First, funding is more fragile than many of us would like to admit. Even longstanding, mission critical grants can be reduced or eliminated abruptly. Longevity and mission alignment alone are not protection.Second, impact must be clear before it is needed. Legislators and decision makers are asking practical questions about outcomes in their communities. If we cannot clearly articulate what changed because our program exists, we are vulnerable.Third, advocacy cannot begin during a crisis. The reinstatement of SAMHSA funding did not happen in a vacuum. It reflected years of organizations documenting their impact and building relationships with policymakers. Those relationships must be developed consistently, not only when funding is threatened.I also address a common hesitation among nonprofits around advocacy and lobbying. I clarify what 501c3 organizations are permitted to do and why engaging elected officials is both lawful and essential to a healthy democratic society.If you lead a nonprofit, manage grants, or rely on federal or state funding, this episode is designed to help you think strategically about resilience in 2026 and beyond. I challenge you to consider how your organization can strengthen its impact narrative, deepen its public presence, and position itself as credible and indispensable in the communities you serve.For more episodes on data, evaluation, strategy, and leadership in the social sector, visit www.commongooddata.com/podcast.

What does it look like to use data not just to report, but to change outcomes at a national scale?In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Roger and I are joined by Michelle Dunivan, Senior Director of Insights and Analytics at Best Friends Animal Society. Michelle shares how Best Friends uses data, partnerships, and trust-building to advance its bold mission of making the entire United States a no-kill nation.We talk about the realities of animal welfare as an under-resourced social sector, the lack of standardized data across communities, and how Best Friends has built one of the most comprehensive animal welfare data systems in the country. Michelle explains how data can help shift policy, guide local practice, and “myth-bust” the idea that things are only getting worse, even in challenging times.This conversation is also about something bigger than animal welfare. It’s about how nonprofits can use data ethically, transparently, and collaboratively to improve outcomes, build trust, and create collective impact across an entire field.In this episode, we discuss:- Why animal welfare data is uniquely challenging and deeply local- How Best Friends collects and uses data across thousands of shelters- The role of trust, transparency, and relationships in data sharing- How data can support continuous improvement - What nonprofits in any sector can learn from this approachIf you’re interested in evaluation, data strategy, collective impact, or using information to drive real change, this episode offers powerful lessons that extend far beyond animal welfare.

What does it actually take to lead well in 2026—especially when resources are tight, expectations are high, and the work is complex?In this solo episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, I share three practical, leadership-level moves nonprofit and social sector leaders can make this year to strengthen impact and make data work for you (instead of becoming another burden).You’ll hear a clear framework you can apply immediately—whether you’re leading a team, reporting to funders, or trying to get out from under data overload.In this episode, I cover:Clarity: getting laser-focused on mission, priorities, and what success actually looks likeImpact: choosing measures that matter (and pairing them with stories so your work is understood)Funding: connecting your impact evidence to stronger fundraising and funder relationshipsIf you’re heading into 2026 thinking, “We need a simpler, stronger way to explain what we do and why it matters,” this episode is for you.

In this special year-end episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, I share 12 evaluation reflections for the new year, inspired by The 12 Days of Christmas. As we wrap up the year, I wanted to slow things down and reflect on what I’ve been learning and what I hope to carry into my data and evaluation work in 2026.Throughout the episode, I talk about why it’s so important to rediscover your “why”, listen before measuring, and simplify your data practices so they actually support your mission instead of overwhelming your team. I also reflect on the balance between stories and statistics, and why meaningful evaluation always needs both to truly communicate impact.I share thoughts on prioritizing data use over data collection, approaching evaluation as a learner rather than a prover, and re-centering equity by sharing power in how we define success. Along the way, I emphasize building relationships around data, celebrating small wins, and investing in your team’s capacity so evaluation becomes a source of learning and growth — not frustration.I close the episode with a reminder to lead with hope. Even in a challenging year, evaluation can help us make sense of change, stay grounded in purpose, and imagine what’s possible as we move into the year ahead.

How do you build real, lasting relationships with funders — the kind that go beyond the grant cycle?In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, hosts Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe sit down with Bill Crouch, President of BrightDot Fundraising Advisors, to talk about the human side of fundraising. Bill shares why fundraising is not just about money — it’s about meaning, trust, and impact.Together, they unpack what it looks like to connect authentically with funders, align your mission with donor purpose, and communicate the difference your work truly makes. You’ll also hear practical advice on how to approach funder conversations, sustain relationships, and bridge the gap between impact and investment.What you’ll learn in this episode: • How to move from transactional to transformational fundraising. • The mindset that helps funders become partners. • The connection between impact storytelling and donor trust. • Why data and relationships must work hand-in-hand. • Practical tips to strengthen long-term funder relationships.Learn more about using data for impact:Take Drew’s online course at CommonGoodData.com/courses.

On this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe sit down with Dr. Victor Amaya, President and Executive Director of Data You Can Use in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Amaya shares how his organization flips the traditional research model on its head by starting with communities first. Instead of merely extracting data, his team listens, co-creates with residents, and keeps data in the hands of the people who know their neighborhoods best.Together, they explore what it means to truly democratize data—turning raw statistics into clarity, trust, and actionable change. The conversation highlights practical tools like neighborhood dashboards and indicators, and digs into big initiatives such as addressing life expectancy gaps and developing a localized wealth index. Dr. Amaya emphasizes that data isn’t about proving, it’s about improving, and that lasting impact comes from relationships, accessibility, and genuine community voice.In this episode, we’ll discuss:Why democratizing data starts with listening to neighborhoods and residents.How trust and relationships transform research into community-driven impact.Practical tools like neighborhood dashboards and indicators that make data accessible.Tackling big challenges such as life expectancy gaps and wealth disparities with data.The power of co-creation: moving from numbers to narratives to action.Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, social sector professional, or simply passionate about equitable community outcomes, this episode offers fresh insights on how to use data to build stronger, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods.

In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Roger and Drew are joined by Sydney Idzikowski, Associate Director of the Charlotte Regional Data Trust, for a deep dive into how integrated data systems can “move at the speed of trust.” Together, they unpack what administrative data is, why it so often remains siloed across agencies, and how the Data Trust works to securely connect information from sectors like housing, education, and public health. Sydney shares how building trust—amid privacy concerns and data surveillance fears—is central to effective data sharing, and explains the governance, legal, and technical frameworks that make it possible. Sydney has been at the helm of turning fragmented agency data into a single, trusted resource for research, planning, and evaluation. From linking school records to shelter stays, to mapping out the pathways of people who’ve experienced homelessness – she’ll share real‑world stories that show how data can drive policy changes that actually help people.In this episode we’ll cover:The biggest challenges with administrative data at the local levelHow a “data trust” works and why it matters for privacy, ethics, and impactSuccess metrics for an integrated data system (think 35 % of a county’s population!)A compelling case study on homelessness services that led to a full‑time social worker in a shelterPractical tips for researchers, practitioners, and anyone curious about using linked data responsiblyCheck out the Charlotte Regional Data Trust and Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy.

In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, we’re joined by Carolyn Allison, CEO of Charlotte Community Health Clinic, to explore what it really means to care for the health of a community. Together with co-host Roger Suclupe, we discuss:How more than 100,000 Mecklenburg County adults live without health insuranceThe innovative ways Charlotte Community Health Clinic expands access to care, including integrated behavioral health, dental services, and partnerships with reentry programs and immigrant-serving organizationsHow data and needs assessments guide service expansion and decision-makingThe vital role of community health workers and health literacy in advancing equityA moving story about how dental care changed one patient’s confidence and futureWhether you work in healthcare, the nonprofit sector, or simply care about building healthier communities, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Mastering Focus Groups and Interviews with Expert Evaluator Melissa Siegel Barrios - In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of conducting effective focus groups and interviews with Melissa Siegel Barrios of MSB Consulting. As an expert evaluator with extensive experience in violence prevention and collaboration with various organizations, Melissa shares actionable insights on crafting compelling interview questions, creating a welcoming space, and dealing with unexpected dynamics during focus groups. We also explore best practices for analyzing qualitative data to inform strategy and program design. Additionally, Melissa offers valuable advice on building trust within communities, ensuring accessibility, and the importance of genuine representation. 00:00 Introduction & Best Practices for Conducting Focus Groups01:24 Real-Life Examples and Challenges in Focus Groups03:40 Key Recommendations for Quality Interviews08:43 Differences Between Interviews and Focus Groups14:20 Analyzing Qualitative Data: Coding and Themes18:14 Ensuring Inclusivity and Accessibility in Research24:53 Conclusion and Contact Information--P.S. Enjoying the podcast? I’d greatly appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review. Your support helps me reach more nonprofit and social sector leaders like you who are working to make a difference. Don’t forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of The Common Good Data Podcast, we continue our three-part series exploring the “The Storyteller” as leader. Listen in to learn why storytelling isn’t just a communications strategy — it’s a leadership practice.Every nonprofit and prevention organization is full of powerful stories. But too often, those stories live in hallway conversations, side comments, or moments that never get shared. Great leaders know how to create a culture where stories are noticed, collected, and told well.We’ll break down three core practices of a storytelling leader:Listening for stories and finding meaning in everyday momentsBuilding simple systems for gathering themSharing stories with integrity, respect, and carePlus, we’ll talk about how stories and data work best together — creating a fuller, more human picture of your impact.If you want to build the storytelling muscle of your organization — not just for marketing, but for learning, trust, and connection — this episode is for you.

Think back to when you were young. Can you remember a moment when an adult truly listened to you, took your opinion seriously, and made you feel like your voice mattered? Many of us don’t have those memories—at least, not until much later in life. But for a child who hears, “You are an expert in your own life. Your voice matters,” the impact can be profound. That’s exactly what UNICEF’s Child-Friendly Cities Initiative is working toward. And just recently, Decatur, GA, became one of the first cities in the U.S. to receive this designation. But what does it actually mean for a city to be ‘child-friendly’? And how do we ensure that youth participation isn’t just symbolic, but truly embedded in governance, policy, and community life?Today, we’re joined by  Danielle Goldberg, Managing Director of the Community Alliance for Child Rights, and Anne Day, who is the Senior Director of Research, Evaluation, and Research Partnerships at UNICEF USA.Skip Ahead:(01:31) Why children’s voices are often missing in governance, and how this impacts policymaking and funding decisions.(7:56) How the “Child-Friendly Cities Initiative” helps local governments adopt child-centered governance strategies.(13:10) How are cities selected.(15:25) How did Decatur, GA achieve Child-Friendly City status, and what unique steps did they take to become more child-friendly?(18:19) What are the challenges in evaluating large-scale, systems-level initiatives like CFCI, and what indicators define success?Connect with Danielle and Anne and learn more about the Child Friendly Cities Initiative.Read the full show notes HERE.P.S. Enjoying the podcast? I’d greatly appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review. Your support helps me reach more nonprofit and social sector leaders like you who are working to make a difference. Don’t forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thanks for listening!

In the nonprofit and social sector, data is everywhere—whether it’s survey responses, attendance records, financial data, or program outcomes. But numbers alone don’t drive change.It’s how you interpret and apply them that makes the difference.As part of a three-part series, we previously discussed the strategist, and now we’re focusing on the analyst—the person who turns data into clear insights that inform decisions. While many people take on this role in an organization, it’s not always just the “data person.” Anyone who interacts with data needs to embody the characteristics of an analyst to become a strong, data-driven leader. Skip Ahead: (02:06) Why it is worth analyzing your data well.(03:47) Effective analysis always starts with this.(04:59) How to understand key metrics and trends with a high school math background.(06:38) Methods for those who’ve taken a statistics course.(07:43) Communicate your findings effectively.(11:18) Balance accuracy with action and avoid ‘analysis paralysis.’P.S. Enjoying the podcast? I’d greatly appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review. Your support helps me reach more nonprofit and social sector leaders like you who are working to make a difference. Don’t forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thanks for listening!

We often focus on addressing problems after they’ve occurred in the nonprofit and social sector, but what if we could intervene earlier?After 30 years of research in prevention science, the evidence is clear: many behavioral health issues and related challenges can be prevented.I’m joined by Mitchell Moore, an advanced certified prevention specialist, to discuss the power of early intervention in preventing behavioral health problems—specifically in the context of youth and families.(01:02) Why Mitchell believes funding should shift from reactive solutions like treatment and incarceration to proactive prevention.Skip Ahead:(04:44)  The role of data in helping Prevention Training Services reach out and train so many people.(07:57) What a 9-month community assessment revealed and how it shifted their prevention strategy.(16:45) How media literacy, a key aspect of prevention work, has made him hyper-aware of product placement in movies and commercials.Connect with Mitchell Moore and learn more about Prevention Training Services.Read the full show notes HERE.

Federal funding for nonprofits is in flux. A recent White House memo led to a freeze on funding, only for a federal judge to put it on hold. Meanwhile, key public health datasets disappeared, with some now being reinstated. What does this mean for nonprofits relying on federal support? In this episode, we break down the latest legal battles, agency shifts, and what nonprofits can do to stay ahead.Skip Ahead: (01:15) The funding freeze—where things stand now(02:13) The datasets that were removed (and partially restored)(03:21) What these changes mean for federal grants and contracts(05:10) How nonprofits can advocate and prepare for more uncertainty

Building strong university-community partnerships isn’t easy. Power imbalances, competing goals, and trust issues can get in the way, turning good intentions into missed opportunities. So how can nonprofits and universities work together more effectively? In this episode, Roger and I sit down with Toye Watson, Director of Community Impact at UNC Charlotte, to unpack the common challenges and share how to create partnerships that truly work. Skip Ahead: (00:52) Why communities are looking beyond government solutions and what that means for partnerships. (05:10) What UNC Charlotte’s urbanCORE is trying to accomplish. (11:23) The reason some collaboration efforts don’t work out. (16:37) The first thing nonprofits should do if they want to build university partnerships (24:32)  What’s different about a partnership with local nonprofit versus a city government and how you might approach those differently (29:01) How urbanCORE supported the Three Sisters Market, a food collaborative in West Charlotte Connect with Toye Watson and learn more about urbanCORE. Learn more about the Data-Driven Leadership Series (The Strategist, The Analyst, The Storyteller) Read the full show notes HERE.

In the first weeks of the new administration, a series of executive orders have introduced significant policy changes affecting nonprofits. These cover areas like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), gender and LGBTQ+ rights, international aid, and immigration. It raises critical questions about compliance, funding stability, and long-term program sustainability. In this episode, Drew breaks down what these changes mean for nonprofit organizations connected to these areas and how they can adapt. Skip Ahead: (01:21) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. (04:03) Gender, sexual orientation, and LGBTQ+ services. (07:59) International aid, environmental initiatives, and immigration. (09:59) What can nonprofits do to adapt. Read the full show notes HERE.

Funders want proof that your programs are efficient and impactful.  But pulling together data to show your impact feels challenging when you don’t have the tools, systems, or extra staff to make it happen. Your team is likely piecing together metrics with limited capacity, resulting in reports that fall short and reinforce the cycle of underfunding.  Today’s episode is about breaking that cycle.  We’ll show you how to make the most of data  to create a roadmap that  communicates your value and drives sustainable growth for your organization.  And we'll also talk about the tools and concepts that we cover in our upcoming online course, The Strategist. Skip Ahead:  (04:26) Culture of data (6:06) Assessing needs (7:59) Impact plan (10:46) Implementation (12:20) Evaluation (14:20) Organizational buy-in Learn more about the upcoming courses at www.commongooddata.com/courses Read the full show notes HERE.

Trauma and resilience are being talked about more in helping professions, yet what’s often overlooked is how human service organizations can become more trauma-informed and resilient. Is another trauma training really the answer, or is there something deeper that needs to shift within organizations themselves? I’m joined by Brett Loftis, a human rights attorney and child advocate who has spent his career working with children in the court system, many of whom have experienced severe trauma. In 2018, Brett founded the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities, where he helps organizations across the country embed trauma recovery and community resilience into their systems and practices. If you’re in a leadership position or just want to understand more about how trauma shows up in organizations, I learned a lot from Brett’s wisdom, and I know you will too. Skip Ahead: (04:08) How Crossnore supports youth facing adversity. (06:52) What Brett believes new professionals need to know to effectively assist vulnerable youth. (11:20) What challenges organizations typically face around becoming trauma-informed. (13:45) Why addressing the personal experiences of helping professionals is essential to show up and do this work over a career. (16:08) What it looks like to measure an organization’s readiness for trauma-informed practices. (18:04) The surprises leaders uncover from doing organizational assessments. (27:28) What makes for a good partnership, according to Brett. Connect with Brett and learn more about Crossnore Communities for Children and Center for Trauma Resilient Communities.