Lasting Change

Community development doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it starts with one person who has a skill and a leader willing to connect the dots.That’s what happened in northeastern India, where One Collective Catalyst Pradeep began walking alongside his community. By empowering a local beekeeper, he helped create jobs, restore dignity, and open doors for spiritual transformation.Listen in to hear how Pradeep is using faith, entrepreneurship, and local leadership to create lasting change.

Most of us think leadership is about stepping up. But what if real impact starts when you step back?In this episode, we talk with Emily Hooper, a former physical therapist who now leads community development work in Kenya’s Rift Valley. Emily shares how she moved from “doing the work” to empowering local leaders—and why true transformation happens when we stop trying to lead everything ourselves.If you’ve ever wondered how to help without creating dependency, this conversation is for you.Listen now to hear how letting go might be the most powerful leadership move you make.

What does it take to truly show up for refugees—especially when language, culture, and broken systems stand in the way?In this episode of The Lasting Change Podcast, we explore how real change happens when we move beyond surface-level help and into long-term relationships. You’ll hear practical insight on bridging cultural gaps, collaborating across organizations, and showing up with humility in spaces where trust must be earned.Whether you’re already involved in refugee ministry or wondering how to start, this conversation will challenge and equip you to build the kind of trust that truly transforms lives—yours included.

What does real anti-trafficking work look like? In this episode of the Lasting Change podcast, we sit down with Andrew Larson—One Collective’s catalyst in Athens, Greece—to explore the realities of sexual exploitation, the complexity of trafficking, and what it takes to make a meaningful difference. This episode isn’t a tidy story of rescue. Instead it’s a look at what it means to break isolation, build trust over time, and embody hope in some of the darkest places. Whether you’re new to this topic or passionate about justice, Andrew’s experience will help you understand how long-term, relational work can transform lives—both overseas and in your own neighborhood. In this Episode, you will learn: A clear definition of human trafficking—and what makes it so complexWhy Greece is a critical hotspot in the global trafficking networkThe unique challenges of anti-trafficking work in brothel districtsHow outreach teams safely engage with women in crisisWhy rescue isn’t always the goal—and what true success looks likePractical ways you can respond locally or globallyWhat it means to find God among the oppressedOne Collective - Athens Alephtheria CommunityPolaris ProjectA21European Freedom NetworkOne Collective - Serve Abroad Opportunities

DescriptionWhat if the true measure of success in missions wasn’t how much you built—but what continued after you left?In this episode of The Lasting Change Podcast, hosts Michael Proctor and Danielle Kelly sit down with Brandon Weidman, Director of Development at One Collective and the founding catalyst of the organization’s work in Nicaragua. Brandon shares how a short-term mission trip turned into a long-term commitment—and how that commitment sparked a sustainable model of ministry that continues to grow today.From launching a chicken farm and a coffee company to empowering local leaders and navigating political unrest, Brandon walks us through the challenges and lessons of building something that lasts. Now, as the Nicaragua team prepares to expand into a neighboring city, they’re looking for the next catalyst—a leader ready to live in the community, build relationships, and help shape the next chapter of holistic, sustainable transformation.Whether you’re in ministry, missions, or just passionate about doing good in a healthy, sustainable way, this episode offers real-world insight into how lasting change actually happens—and how you might be part of it.In this EpisodeHow short-term mission trips led to long-term community transformationThe story behind the founding of One Collective NicaraguaWhat it looks like to empower local leaders and avoid dependencyHow a chicken farm, coffee company, and a pineapple farm became tools for changeWhat “kingdom calculus” is—and why 1 + 1 can equal 3How the catalytic model works, and what it means to be a catalystWhy Papagayo, a remote pineapple farm at the edge of a jungle, might be the perfect launching pad for the next wave of changeHow YOU (or someone you know) might fit into this story of growth and lasting impactAbout the GuestBrandon Weidman is the Director of Development at One Collective, where he leads global fundraising efforts and champions sustainable, community-driven change. Before taking on this role, Brandon and his wife spent nearly seven years in Nicaragua as catalysts—helping to launch locally run initiatives like small businesses, farms, and nutrition programs. His passion is to empower leaders on the ground and ensure resources are directed where they’ll make the biggest long-term impact.

Do you desire to be generous but don’t know where to give or which organizations to trust? With so many nonprofits vying for attention, it can be overwhelming to know which ones are truly effective and aligned with your values. If you’ve ever wondered how to ensure your contributions are making a real impact, this episode is for you.In this episode, you’ll learn how to evaluate a nonprofit’s trustworthiness and financial accountability. Discover the key indicators of organizational integrity, how to spot red flags, and why having a robust financial strategy is critical for long-term impact. You’ll also gain practical tools to help you confidently choose organizations that align with your values and make a lasting difference. Whether you’re giving to the organization for years or just starting to look for someone to be generous, this episode will empower you to live with greater clarity and purpose.

Do you see big problems in the world and feel overwhelmed by the thought of making a difference? Maybe you’re passionate about helping others but unsure where to start or how to turn that passion into action. The idea of stepping into a role that could create real change can be daunting, especially when the path forward isn’t clear. If you’re wrestling with these feelings, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you navigate these uncertainties.In this episode, Carley Fortosis, a leader in mobilization at One Collective, joins host Scott Olson to share her journey from corporate life to vocational ministry. Carley discusses the key questions you should ask before making the leap, the questions you should ask an organization before joining, and how One Collective supports its team members every step of the way. Whether you're exploring a new career or looking to make a greater impact, Carley’s experience and advice will provide the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.

Everyone knows the struggle of finding a job that feels impactful, especially those planning to transition from school to the workforce. What could it look like to choose a job that is full of purpose and connects with the work Jesus is doing around the world?Join us today on the Lasting Change podcast, where we are talking with Michael Proctor, One Collective’s Marketing Manager and Podcast producer. Together we talk about Michael’s journey of discovering One Collective and how he has participated in lasting change.

Often, marketing gets a bad rap - coming across as unethical, manipulative, and leading us to spend money on things we don't really need. But what if marketing could be a force for good? A tool to unify organizations around a shared vision and purpose that truly betters the world?Join us today on the Lasting Change podcast, where we talk with Evan Wise, Sr. Director of Advancement at One Collective. Together, we explore the power of ethical, values-driven marketing. Evan shares how marketing can be leveraged to drive sustainable, long-term change - when it's focused on deeply understanding your audience's needs and providing genuine value rather than just chasing short-term conversions.Learn more about how you can get involved today at onecollective.org/podcasts

We live in a fast-paced world, and most of us are always trying to do more in less time. It is often immensely difficult for leaders to slow down amidst the pressures and demands of work and life and this can often lead to burn out and leaders not finishing well. How can we as leaders find the value of slowing down, and how can leaders practically implement rest into their lives? Join us today on the Lasting Change podcast, where we talk with Robert L. Gallagher, a professor of mission and intercultural studies. Together we talk about the difficulty people, particularly leaders, face in slowing down amidst the pressures and demands of modern life. We explore the need for time for solitude, prayer and silence, following the example of Jesus.

Anyone exploring leadership can tell you that hard decisions come frequently. Newer leaders are often put into situations where they have to take risks to move forward. Learning to grow as a leader usually requires making mistakes and choosing direction when you don't have all the information or experience that helps you understand the right way forward. What does taking a healthy risk as a new leader look like, and what decisions contribute to outstanding leadership as you grow? Join us today on the Lasting Change podcast, where we are talking with Danielle Kelly, One Collective Area director of Europe and Catalyst of Athens, Greece. Together, we talk about Danielle's journey into leadership, the hardships she has learned from, and lessons that can help any new leader develop.

We all are victims of our childhood. Everyone has had good and bad experiences that have made us who we are today. Regardless of our past, we want to grow and become well-adjusted individuals, but doing this alone feels impossible. How can we heal, and how can we play a part in the healing process of those around us? Join us today on the Lasting Change Podcast, where we talk with Debbie Douce, One Collective strategies for working with at-risk kids. Together, we talk about Debbie's own journey of healing from trauma in he life and how she has learned how to play a part in others' healing journeys.

We all share the desire to treat everyone as Jesus did. Sadly, there are many marginalized people who are often dehumanized and never experience the way Jesus treated people. How can we as individuals meet the marginalized where they are show them the love of Jesus, and treat them as he did? Join us today on the lasting Change Podcast, where we talk with Eric Costanzo, executive director of RisingVillage, Author, and teacher of biblical, cultural, and global issues affecting the church around the world. Together, we talk about the issue of dehumanization of marginalized people and the importance of treating every person with dignity and respect, reinforcing their biblical humanity.

When leading teams, we want to enable individuals to flourish, and we want collaboration to be the norm, not the exception. But building effective teams that work together is hard, especially if it is cross-cultural. Communicating and being aware of cultural context is extremely challenging, let alone the normal challenges of team building. How can we build effective teams that come together to collaborate effectively? How can we, as leaders, enable our teams to flourish and serve others well? Join us today on the Lasting Change Podcast, where we’re talking with Mike and Michelle, owner of a social enterprise that runs a vocational training program for neurodivergent individuals. Together, we discuss the effectiveness of a coffee shop as a social enterprise, team building, and including neurodivergent individuals.Learn more about how you can get involved today at onecollective.org/podcasts

Creating lasting change around the world cannot be done alone - it takes a team of supporters. But communicating with supporters around the world can be challenging. How can we communicate effectively about the work we are passionate about and enable our supporters to feel like they are a part of the work we do? Join us today on the Lasting Change Podcast, where we are talking with Lisa Wolf, SVP of Client Experience for Westfall Gold. Together, we talk about the importance of clarifying your messaging so you can build and maintain a strong relationship with your supporters.

Today, there are places in the world that need support more than ever. Countries are in crisis, and as leaders, we want to help. We want to play our part in alleviating the pain and needs across the world. But helping is much more imbiguous than it should. Knowing how to help those in crisis should not be a challenge. How can we, as leaders, provide support to those in Crisis? How can we be confident that we have played our part in providing support to those who need it? Join us today on the Lasting Change Podcast, where we are talking with John, a global relief and development visionary and law practitioner. Together, we talk about how individuals can participate in alleviating crisis-stricken communities around the world. Enabling communities to flourish again.

Leading cross-culturally is challenging. It is nearly impossible to be aware of all the different ways people live and work. How can we, despite the inability to be aware of so many differences, lead successfully across multiple cultures?Join us today on the Lasting Change Podcast, where we are talking with Simon Majumdar, world-renowned broadcaster, chef, and author. Together, we talk about the challenges of leading cross-culturally and how humility is the key to leading in spaces where we cannot be aware of all the nuances.Learn more about how you can get involved today at onecollective.org/podcasts

Today, trauma is happening at a larger scale than most of us have ever seen. Real wars are being fought, and individuals are hurting. As leaders, we want to do everything we can to create peace and stability in our communities and lives. But few things are more daunting than this task. In a world full of hurt, what can we do as leaders to create peace and stability?Join us on the Lasting Change Podcast, where we’re talking with Melissa Sinclair, Ph.D. and professor of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University. Together, we talk about how she has learned to be a peace leader and how it all starts with focusing on the self before leading others to do the same.

Leaders around the world often have a plan, a direction they are taking their team and ministry - but often that plan gets disrupted. Fear and doubt about direction is often the result. How can leaders stay calm and flexible when God asks them to change course?Join us today on the Lasting Change Podcast, where we’re talking with Kristen Choitz, leader in Zambia. Together, we discuss the importance of flexibility and openness in leadership. We'll talk about letting go of expectations and allowing God to direct our path.

Finding sustainable ways to fund work around the world is a big challenge. Sometimes good projects can fail because they aren't setup from the start with sustainability in mind. How can leaders find sustainable ways to fund work in ways that really last?Join us today on the Lasting Change Podcast, where we’re talking with Robert Swarthout, a three-business-time founder with experience in software and investing. Together, we’re talking about the challenges non-profit leaders face regarding funding, and how connecting entrepreneurship to work can help setup projects to succeed long-term.Learn more about how you can get involved today at onecollective.org/podcasts