Doing Good

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS Support Doing Good: ⁠Donate Here⁠ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In this episode, Thomas and Mary from Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry join Megan McInnis to discuss the transformative power of holistic reentry support and second chances. We explore Thomas's leadership journey, expanding TPOM from a church-based ministry to a comprehensive nonprofit, Mary's incredible transformation from client to staff member, and the unique approach that's achieving a remarkable 90% success rate in preventing recidivism.What You'll Learn:✅ How holistic reentry programs create lasting change beyond just housing ✅ The power of lived experience in staff roles and peer mentorship ✅ Strategies for building comprehensive support systems that address root causesResources & Mentions: ⁠Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry⁠FacebookConnect with Us:Website: ⁠Doing Good⁠ Social Media: ⁠All Links⁠ Blog: ⁠Featured Organization⁠ Support the show: ⁠Donate Here⁠Credits:Produced by Jay Wilson Music by Hartzmann Edited by Wayne Nolting, Jay Wilson

In this episode, Kyle Lee joins Megan McInnis to discuss the transformative power of volunteerism in prison outreach. We explore Kyle's personal journey, share impactful stories from his experiences, and offer actionable insights for those interested in making a difference. What You’ll Learn: ✅ The impact of volunteerism on personal growth and community ✅ Strategies for engaging with prison outreach programs ✅ How to find purpose and fulfillment through serviceResources & Mentions: Tennessee Prison Outreach MinistryConnect with Us: Website: Doing GoodSocial Media: All LinksBlog: Featured VolunteersSupport the show: Donate HereCredits: Produced by Jay WilsonMusic by HartzmannEdited by Wayne Nolting, Jay Wilson

What does it mean to truly bear someone else’s burden? Karen Chambers knows firsthand. After experiencing a devastating miscarriage 42 years ago, with no support system to turn to, she founded Bearing Others’ Burdens, a nonprofit that delivers care and comfort bags to individuals facing cancer, miscarriage, infant loss, and bereavement. In this moving episode, Karen shares:🧵 The Power of a Bag: How a simple pillow, blanket, or embroidered memory square can say, “You are seen, you are loved.”💔 Grief Unfiltered: Why phrases like “It’ll be okay” fall short—and what to say (or not say) instead.✝️ Faith in Action: How Karen’s journey from heartbreak to hope is rooted in her belief that no one should walk alone.🌎 A National Impact: How her small goal of 15 bags grew to 2,500+ donations across all 50 states.For volunteers: Learn how to sew, pack, or donate to this grassroots effort.For grievers: Find solace in Karen’s message: “Your story matters.”For everyone: Discover how empathy can transform lives—starting with yours.Follow Bearing Others’ Burdens:Website: www.BearingOthersBurdens.comRead Karen’s blog post at www.doinggoodtv/blogThis podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.To support the efforts of Doing Good and more:Website: ⁠Doing Good⁠Linktree: ⁠All Links⁠Donate: Click ⁠here⁠ to donate.Social: ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠

In this episode, Megan sits down with John Witherspoon, retired Special Forces veteran and president of Beacon Rescue. From building shelters in Papua New Guinea to leading rapid disaster deployments in Tennessee, John shares his lifelong journey of service—and how his nonprofit is empowering veterans, families, and communities to respond with compassion in moments of crisis. Tune in to hear how training, teamwork, and a willingness to act can turn ordinary people into lifelines when disaster strikes.Connect with John and find out more about Beacon Rescue:Website: Beacon RescueSocial: Facebook | InstagramRead John’s blog post at ⁠www.doinggood.tv/blog⁠.This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit.To support the efforts of Doing Good and more:Website: Doing GoodLinktree: All LinksDonate: Click here to donate.Social: Instagram | YouTube

In this heartfelt episode, we explore with Kelli R. Brooks and Gregory Prioleau from Roberta’s House, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit family grief support center in Baltimore, Maryland, the transformative work of this organization dedicated to helping children, families, and communities heal from loss and trauma. Founded in memory of a beloved matriarch, Roberta’s House provides free, culturally responsive programs that offer emotional support, education, and a safe space for healing. Join us as we hear about Kelly and Greg’s experiences with grief and support, as well as how this organization is restoring hope through peer-led support groups, trauma-informed care, and a deep commitment to community resilience. Whether you’re grieving, supporting someone in grief, or simply seeking stories of strength and compassion, this episode will remind you that healing is possible—and no one has to walk through grief alone. Connect with Roberta's House: Website: https://robertashouse.org/ Doing Good, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, brings this podcast to you. Support Doing Good: Website: doinggood.tv Blog: doinggood.tv/blog.

Join Megan as she interviews Cylinda Smith again – a volunteer she is revisiting to find out how she is, if she’s still volunteering, and to learn any updates. Fortunately, Cylinda continues to volunteer at Roberta's House, a grief support nonprofit located in Maryland. Her joy of serving people - and walking with them through grief - is palpable. In the interview, Cylinda shares her journey of passion for helping others, the importance of emotional healing, and ongoing connections with others who have experienced loss.Read Cylinda’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.View Cylinda’s podcast by visiting Doing Good on YouTube.This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doingggood.tv. 

Join host Megan McInnis as she turns the spotlight on three incredible volunteers who work behind the scenes to bring the Doing Good podcast to life. In honor of National Volunteer Month, meet Azilee, our podcast producer; Jay, our audio and YouTube expert; and Carrie, our talented copy editor.Each shares their unique path to volunteering with Doing Good, the passion that drives their work, and the meaningful moments that have stuck with them along the way. Get to know the creative minds powering our mission—and discover the heart, humor, and humanity behind every episode.Tune in for an uplifting conversation about creativity, community, and the joy of using your talents to make a difference.Visit www.doinggood.tv to learn more about our volunteers and mission.Watch more on YouTube by visiting Doing Good.This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv.

Join host Emily as she interviews Philip Hyams, a college student who is passionate about volunteering and community service. Philip shares his journey from childhood volunteerism to co-founding a high school service organization and balancing college life with his ongoing dedication to helping others. Discover how service can be both fulfilling and stress-relieving, and hear Philip’s tips for finding your own path in volunteering. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, purpose, and the contagious joy of giving back.Read Philip’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.View Philip’s podcast by visiting Doing Good on YouTube.This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doingggood.tv. 

In this episode of the Doing Good podcast, host Megan McInnis sits down with Steve Bauer, a retired Braille instructor and passionate volunteer at the Braille Institute. With over 15 years of experience teaching Braille and assistive technology, Steve now dedicates his time to helping individuals learn how to use Braille e-readers, ensuring they can fully access literacy resources.From discussing the Braille Challenge to explaining why Braille literacy is essential for employment and independence, Steve offers invaluable insights into the evolving world of accessibility. He also shares personal stories of students who have transformed their lives through Braille and discusses how volunteering can open unexpected doors.Tune in to hear Steve’s inspiring journey and discover how you can support Braille literacy and inclusion.Read Steve’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.To learn more about the Braille Institute, visit https://www.brailleinstitute.org.This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doingggood.tv.

In this episode, John Henry Soto shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in New York City to a life of purpose in Nashville. He opens up about experiencing homelessness as a teenager and how it shaped his passion for volunteer work and community engagement. John also discusses his artistic evolution from music to film, emphasizing the importance of creating for joy rather than commercial success.Through powerful insights on validation, the impact of kindness, and the lessons learned from giving back, John reminds us that "it's not about you"—it’s about the difference we can make in others’ lives. Join us as we explore his thoughts on human connection, the power of hope, and how small acts of kindness can create lasting change.Read John’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.View John’s podcast by visiting Doing Good on YouTube.This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doingggood.tv. 

In this episode of the Doing Good Podcast, host Megan McInnis speaks with Ryan Tagg, a dedicated volunteer at Comfort Zone Camp, a bereavement camp for children who have lost loved ones. Ryan shares his journey from being a Big Buddy to taking on various roles within the organization, including fundraising and training. He discusses the emotional challenges of working with grieving children, the importance of open conversations about death, and the rewarding experiences that come from volunteering. Ryan also emphasizes the need for community engagement and creative fundraising efforts to support these types of important programs.Read Ryan’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.View Ryan’s podcast by visiting Doing Good on YouTube. To learn more about Comfort Zone Camp, visit https://comfortzonecamp.org.Learn more about corporate volunteering at Dominion Payroll: https://dominionpayroll.com/about-us#strongerpartThis podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doingggood.tv.

In this episode, Erin Harris shares her inspiring journey from a career in education to founding Un/Do Mindset, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health education and trauma recovery. Through candid storytelling, Erin discusses her work providing accessible resources rooted in cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy and serving diverse communities, including incarcerated and transient populations. She delves into the transformative nature of volunteerism, the struggles of managing a nonprofit, and the role of community in fostering healing and connection.Join us for a powerful conversation about shared humanity, emotional resilience, and aligning personal values with meaningful action.This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv 

Stephanie Wynn’s family and her barber introduced her to helping others as a child. Learn about Joe and his lifelong impact on her that led to her volunteering with the unhoused in the Tampa Bay area with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. After her own life-changing scare, he also influenced her founding a nonprofit for those with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Hear Stephanie’s personal passion, stories, and how she’s changing tomorrow for countless others through The Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation.This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv     Read Stephanie’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.

Debbie Hartman recently moved cross-country to live closer to her grandchild. Listen to this adventurous matriarch share how and why she uses volunteering to meet new friends and learn about her new community. Her volunteering experiences include the Girl Scouts of the USA, DECA, Home of Guiding Hands, Rady’s Children’s Hospital of San Diego, Kiwanis International, Ronald McDonald House, the Salvation Army, and currently The Store, a Nashville, Tennessee nonprofit started by country music singer Brad Paisley and his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley.This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv     Read Debbie’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.

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/

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.

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.

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

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.