Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart

Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff hosts a compelling discussion on the importance of intuition and personal safety with Barb Jordan, a safety expert and advocate. The episode explores Barb's personal journey, driven by family tragedy, to educate and empower individuals to recognize and prevent predatory behavior. Key Topics Covered: Barb's Background and Motivation: Barb's journey from being an elite athlete to a dedicated safety advocate. The murder of Barb's sister, Beverly, as the pivotal event that inspired the founding of Always Bev. Recognizing Manipulation and Predatory Behavior: Real-life examples of manipulation and the subtle red flags that often precede violent behavior. Importance of trusting one's gut feelings and setting boundaries. The Mission of Always Bev: The organization's mission is to provide life-changing safety skills and awareness to prevent violence. Description of the workshops and the groups they target, including universities and corporations. Safety Skills and Awareness: Techniques for situational awareness and personal safety. Practical tips for recognizing manipulation tactics. Community and Outreach: How Always Bev uses word of mouth and community connections to spread its message. The impact of social media in creating awareness for personal safety education. Educational Programs and Workshops: Description of the kinds of workshops offered, catering to different demographics. The role of storytelling and real-life scenarios in educating participants. Future Aspirations: Barb's goals for expanding the reach of Always Bev. Desire to collaborate with influencers and celebrities to amplify the organization's voice. Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to trust their intuition, remain vigilant, and consider participating in or supporting Always Bev's programs. They can reach out via Always Bev's website for more information about workshops and to help spread the word about the importance of personal safety. Conclusion: The episode concludes with a heartfelt message on the power of resilience, leaning on one's intuition, and the transformative journey of turning personal tragedy into a purpose-driven mission. Barb Jordan stands as a beacon of hope and strength, encouraging everyone to take their personal safety seriously. Listeners are invited to subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring stories and insights on nonprofits and social enterprises. For more information about Small & Gutsy, check out the website: www.smallandgutsy.org      

In this enlightening episode, host Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff talks with Christine Buckley, the Executive Director and Board President of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. The episode delves into the complexities and risks associated with brain aneurysms, highlighting the critical nature of early diagnosis and proper treatment. **Key Discussion Points:** 1. **Understanding Brain Aneurysms:** - The brain's intricate role as an organ and the devastating impacts when an aneurysm occurs. - Statistical insights into the prevalence and rupture rates of brain aneurysms. 2. **Personal Stories and Advocacy:** - Christine shares touching personal stories of individuals affected by brain aneurysms, emphasizing the unpredictability and severity of the condition. - The importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. 3. **Advancements in Treatment:** - How modern advancements have made treatments less invasive and more efficient. - The ongoing challenge of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. 4. **Foundation Initiatives:** - The Brain Aneurysm Foundation's role in research, advocacy, and education. - The "Scan to Save" initiative is designed to improve early detection and healthcare provider education. 5. **Impact of Education and Awareness:** - Strategies to increase awareness and understanding of brain aneurysms among the public and healthcare professionals. - The importance of sharing information through social media and community outreach. 6. **Challenges and Future Goals:** - The need for more widespread awareness and support to prevent rupture-related fatalities and disabilities. - Christine's vision for a world free from the dangers of brain aneurysms and the continuous effort to secure research funding. **Call to Action:** Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast episode, follow the Brain Aneurysm Foundation on social media, and help spread awareness about the signs, symptoms, and importance of early detection of brain aneurysms. **Links and Resources:** - [Brain Aneurysm Foundation Website](www.bafound.org) - Social Media: [Facebook](www.facebook.com/bafound), [X](x.com/BAFOUND), [Instagram](www.instagram.com/bafound), [LinkedIn] (www.linkedin.com/company/the-brain-aneurysm-foundation) [YouTube](www.youtube.com/user/brainaneurysmfound For more Small & Gutsy episodes: https://smallandgutsy.org/episodes/  

I've spent decades working in, around, and now leading a small nonprofit called Small & Gutsy. And if there's one thing I've consistently seen across the nonprofit sector, it's this: a profound need for resources. Sure, financial resources are always a challenge — that doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out. But what often surprises people is how limited the resource toolbox is for many organizations — not just the small ones. In smaller nonprofits, staff are laser-focused on their mission and the direct work of serving clients. They're stretched thin, wearing multiple hats, which leaves little time for long-term sustainability planning. But even larger nonprofits, segmented into departments, can lose sight of the bigger picture — missing opportunities to collaborate, streamline, or grow. That's why accessible, centralized, and free resources are so critical. Enter: The Nonprofit Cooperative. A nonprofit in its own right, The Nonprofit Cooperative operates with a powerful business model — one that gives back to the nonprofit community every single day, completely free of charge. Their website is a true one-stop shop, offering: Human resources guidance Fundraising tools Insurance insights Grant and proposal writing support Webinars and workshops Networking opportunities Business-community vetted partnerships And… our very own Small & Gutsy podcast page! Any nonprofit can sign up and record their own interview, adding their voice to our growing family and sharing their impact stories with the world. In this way, Small & Gutsy isn't just telling nonprofit stories — we're partnering with The Nonprofit Cooperative to support those very organizations with the tools and visibility they deserve. And I couldn't be more excited to introduce today's guest: Danette O'Connell, Founder and Executive Director of The Nonprofit Cooperative. Danette is a seasoned professional whose career has focused on helping nonprofits not just survive, but transform. She brings deep experience from the business world and a passion for equipping mission-driven organizations with practical, scalable solutions. So, let's get started. Danette, welcome to Small & Gutsy. You have a significant business background — what inspired you to pivot and pour your energy into the nonprofit sector? For more information, check out their website: www.thenonprofitcooperative.org For more podcasts: www.smallandgutsy.org        

Episode: AMBITION - Transforming Lives Through Power Not Pity Guest: Nancy Gale - Founder of AMBITION and JAMAH Luxury Handbags Episode Description: A powerful conversation about transforming lives through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the unique approach of "power not pity." Nancy Gale shares how she integrated cause and commerce through her luxury handbag brand JAMAH and nonprofit AMBITION, creating opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Key Topics Discussed: The integration of cause and commerce in business AMBITION's signature "You Don't Know About Me" program The power of storytelling in transformation Access and exposure as key game changers for youth Breaking down barriers between different socioeconomic groups The importance of hard work and passion in achievement Teaching marketing and entrepreneurship to youth The story behind acquiring the AMBITION.org domain name Notable Quote: "If you can show how the angst and anger are going to help us solve the problem, I will out-angst and out-anger you any day." - Nancy Gale Key Highlights: AMBITION's unique approach combining entrepreneurship education with personal development The two-semester program structure: personal narrative development followed by marketing skills Success stories of students' transformations The integration of JAMAH luxury handbags with AMBITION's mission The importance of teaching youth to present challenges with "power not pity" Resources Mentioned: Website: AMBITION.org Program: "You Don't Know About Me" initiative Impact Metrics: The program serves primarily juniors and seniors in high school 16 years of operation Expanding through partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs Guest Bio: Nancy Gale is the founder of AMBITION, a nonprofit organization providing entrepreneurial education to disadvantaged youth, and JAMAH, a luxury handbag brand. With 25+ years in the fashion industry, she pioneered an innovative business model integrating cause and commerce. Her approach focuses on empowering youth through access, exposure, and real-world business experience. Contact Information: Website: AMBITION.org Email: info@ambition.org Call to Action: Visit AMBITION.org to learn more about the program Consider volunteering as a mentor Support through donations or purchasing merchandise For more podcast episodes, please visit: https://smallandgutsy.org/episodes/  

The Intrinsic Philosophy of Change Change from Within: We believe that the most enduring and meaningful transformations arise from the people most impacted—those who live within the system and carry its deepest insights. Embedded Transformation: Change is not an external imposition. It becomes intrinsic—woven into the identity of the individual, group, or organization. It's not just what they do differently; it's who they become. Unlocking Capacity: Our role is to help unlock the door to internal wisdom. When systems are open and safe enough to explore their own truths, remarkable growth becomes possible. Inside-Outside Strategy: This approach may take more time, but it yields outcomes that are more just, more fair, and more permanent. It's not about quick fixes—it's about cultivating sustainable evolution. Collaborative Discovery: We don't bring answers—we help uncover them. Our work is grounded in trust, curiosity, and the belief that every system holds the seeds of its own renewal. 🔄 Reimagining Justice Through Inclusion and Education 1. Centering Lived Experience Formerly incarcerated individuals and their families could become educators, facilitators, and policy advocates. Their insights would inform alternatives to incarceration—like restorative justice circles, community accountability processes, and trauma-informed care. 2. Ownership and Responsibility Programs could focus on personal accountability not as punishment, but as a path to healing and growth. Participants might co-create curricula on conflict resolution, emotional literacy, and civic engagement. 3. Advocacy and Policy Innovation The organization could train impacted individuals to become policy advocates, speaking directly to lawmakers and the public. Campaigns might push for sentencing reform, abolition of cash bail, or investment in community-based safety initiatives. 4. Community Healing and Reconciliation Families of incarcerated people could lead healing dialogues between communities and institutions. These conversations could address harm, foster empathy, and build bridges between victims, offenders, and society. 5. Economic and Social Empowerment The organization might offer job training, entrepreneurship support, and education tailored to those reentering society. This would shift the narrative from "ex-offender" to "community leader." For more information: www.initiatejustice.org For more Small & Gutsy podcasts: www.smallandgutsy.org  

This episode is about The Power of Connection: Giving, Learning, and Changing the World We live in a world where opportunities often come through connections — but not just any connections. The ones that matter most are built on trust, generosity, and shared purpose. Networking isn't just about knowing the right people. It's about being the right kind of person. Let me say that again; It's about being the right kind of person The world changes one connection at a time — and that connection can start with you & Moving Worlds MovingWorlds operates a global platform that convenes partners from all sectors to build a more equitable, just, and sustainable economy by empowering social enterprises and the people working with — and within — them. They believe that social entrepreneurs are the on-the-ground heroes demonstrating that we can build a more just, equitable, and sustainable global economy. For more than a decade, they've been exploring how to best support them to grow revenues, create world-positive jobs, and scale up impact. Through their programs, partnerships, and ongoing research, social enterprises need more than just financial investment to achieve their world-changing potential, and this networked platform is an important component. They have: Over 1,000 professionals from companies, Social entrepreneurs from over 105 countries, and over 35 impact investor and accelerator partners.   For more information, check out: www.movingworlds.org For more episodes, check out: www.smallandgutsy.org  

  The conference is coming up on October 16th For more information and to purchase tickets to TechTainment™: https://www.laipla.net/techtainment-2025/ Being a professor in the age of AI — particularly generative AI — is both exciting and deeply challenging. As educators, we recognize that technology is evolving at a pace with which, even seasoned technologists struggle to keep up. Students are increasingly tempted to let AI do the thinking for them, believing they're being efficient when, in fact, they may be shortcutting the deeper learning process. Using AI tools like ChatGPT should not be about replacing critical thought or original research. It's about enhancing the learning journey, not skipping it. While these tools can assist in discovery, ideation, and even structure, they cannot substitute the human insights that come from struggle, context, collaboration, and lived experience. That's why I challenge my students to think critically: What happens when the sources AI provides don't match course materials? What if AI misses the nuances, the legal precedents, or the emerging ethics in a topic? The danger is not just in misinformation — it's in the erosion of personal accountability and intellectual depth. This exact tension — between innovation and integrity — is what makes events like TechTainment™ so necessary. The intersection of technology, entertainment, and the law is a rapidly evolving space filled with complex and often controversial issues.  There are a multitude of issues at the intersection of these areas. I am going to name a few, but my guest today has knowledge and depth that will convince you not to miss the upcoming 1-day TechTainment™ event. So, here goes: 1. Intellectual Property (IP) Challenges Piracy & Copyright Infringement  Digital content is frequently shared illegally through unauthorized streaming and file-sharing platforms, causing major revenue losses. AI-Generated Content  Legal ownership of AI-created art, music, or video remains uncertain. If AI uses copyrighted inputs to generate new outputs, is the result derivative, transformative, or something else entirely? Remixes, Memes & Fair Use  Social media culture thrives on remixing existing works. However, the boundaries of 'fair use' are unclear, leaving creators legally vulnerable and platforms uncertain about enforcement. 2. AI and Deepfakes Fake Celebrity Content  Deepfakes and voice cloning enable unauthorized, misleading, or defamatory representations of public figures—often used in fake ads, explicit content, or political misinformation. Consent & Image Rights  There's a growing legal and ethical concern over the use of a person's likeness, voice, or performance without their consent, especially in AI-generated content. Legal Lag  The rapid advancement of generative AI and deepfake technologies has outpaced existing laws, creating enforcement gaps and legislative uncertainty. 3. Streaming & Distribution Rights Global Licensing Issues  Rights to distribute content differ by region. Streaming platforms face legal complexity in acquiring and managing these rights across jurisdictions. ·       Residuals & Fair Pay  Creatives (writers, actors, directors) are demanding transparent compensation models for streamed content. This has led to major labor actions (e.g., 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes). ·       Windowing Conflicts  Studios and platforms debate how long content should remain exclusive to one service before being released elsewhere — impacting revenue models and consumer access. 4. Content Moderation & Censorship Platform Liability  Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch must balance free expression with moderating harmful content. Legal responsibility for user-generated content remains a contentious issue. Freedom of Speech vs. Harmful Content  Legal systems struggle to balance free speech rights with the need to curb misinformation, hate speech, and online harassment. Government Regulations  Laws differ by region 5. Privacy & Surveillance ·       Data Collection  Entertainment platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube gather extensive user data (viewing habits, preferences, location, device usage). The ways this data is analyzed, monetized, or shared with third parties remain legally ambiguous and often undisclosed. ·       Facial Recognition & Biometrics  Increasing use of biometric technologies in entertainment spaces—such as facial recognition at concerts, stadiums, and theme parks—raises major privacy concerns. There's a lack of clear legal guidelines around consent, storage, and misuse of biometric data. ·       Children's Privacy  Platforms aimed at children must comply with strict regulations like the Children's Online Privacy Protections 6. Content Ownership in the Creator Economy Platform vs. Creator Control: Platforms like YouTube, TikTok and others often control monetization and visibility algorithms, limiting creator autonomy. Copyright Takedowns & Abuse 7. NFTs & Digital Ownership ·       Fraud & Scams Copyright Confusion Emerging Legal Areas to Watch Generative AI law Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Laws  Content moderation laws Digital labor rights Smart contracts & blockchain in entertainment  The primary issues revolve around intellectual property rights, data privacy, platform regulation, AI ethics, and compensation for creative labor. As technology outpaces regulation, legal systems are constantly playing catch-up — often with high-stakes consequences for creators, companies, and consumers. It's about thought leadership and responsible innovation. It's about ensuring that human value — ethical reasoning, creative spark, legal foresight — isn't lost in the digital noise. Our country is at a crossroads, and events like TechTainment™ are more than just conferences — they are forums for the future. As educators, professionals, and creators, our job is not to reject AI but to ensure we don't outsource our judgment, our integrity, or our creativity. Let AI and other innovative technology be tools — but let us be the ones who drive its purpose. The conference is coming up on October 16th For more information and to purchase tickets to TechTainment™: https://www.laipla.net/techtainment-2025/ A huge thank you to Trope & Trope Law Group, protecting your IP Assets worldwide, for generously supporting this episode! For more Small & Gutsy episodes, check out our website: www.smallandgutsy.org  

How many times have I wished I could take those negative thoughts out of my head, those thoughts projecting a future that may not actually happen? This doesn't mean that we don't prepare for the worst, but do we want to live in that state or space where it virtually eliminates being in the present/ our present? How can we enjoy anything if we are always thinking about what might be? Conversely, thinking about what might be from a positive standpoint might actually be soothing, and yet again, it takes us out of the present, which is the only place that can drive our actions, as it is all we actually know. I remember sitting on my bathroom floor as a high schooler in hysterics, breaking up with my then boyfriend, and suffering because I couldn't face hurting him, and the idea of loss was just overwhelming due to the early losses that I had experienced in my own family. How I would have benefitted from the comfort of knowing that others suffer too and perhaps if I had had our featured organization's App, I would have certainly managed better or at least been in the great company of others who had experienced loss - my reaction may have been over exaggerated, but it was because I had experienced early losses - what I didn't know then and know now is that often a previous loss can be triggered by a current loss although the two seem completely disconnected - that would have perhaps allowed me to grieve my relationship without feeling crazy. Mental health is an incredibly complicated topic. So many of us have had experiences either personally or with our children; no one wants to see their children in pain, and emotional pain is often frightening, because it's hard to find the source of the pain as compared to physical pain, and emotional or psychological injury is often invisible. We understand when someone is in physical pain, but we often blame the individual for being in emotional pain. Raising children is tough, all that goes into daily schedules, etc. now, let's complicate the typical with a complex world, access to more information that can have negative impacts, biological changes and we can have tweens and teens in pain without the benefit of always knowing how to manage it or letting them know that they are not alone as so many others go through similar anguish. Why isn't that taught in schools?  Mood's goal is to put free, fast and effective mental health tools into the hands of every tween & teen, ages 9-17 and for the adults, teachers and providers in their world, enabling them to build skills and resilience through fun and engaging content - Where were you when I was a teen and even as a young adult and parent?  Their website is fun and their mood tools are practical coping skills that are easy to understand and use. The Mood tools are proven stragteties designed to help tweens and teens bring their feelings into managageble bite-sized mood moments rather than gigantic, scary floods of emotion that feel never-ending. I am also incredibly impressed that Mood has an advisory board filled with tweens and teens who bring innovative, creative ideas that are inviting to their cohort.  For more information, go to: www.mood.org And for additional information on all the podcasts: www.smallandgutsy.org    

What happens when you mix the love of Jiu-Jitsu and the love for community? Guardian happens! This podcast recording offers insight into how learning to manage our emotions through martial arts, and specifically through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has its own magical ingredients with real and lasting impact. Guardian was founded by Ben Kovacs and Joel Lunenfeld in 2015, initially starting as a single academy in Oakland, California. The original gym supported over 1,000 youth across the Bay Area by providing mentorship, free training, and a welcoming community. From the outset, they envisioned Guardian as more than just a physical space; they aimed for it to have a global impact. In 2020, they introduced the Guardian Scholarship. This initiative was designed to broaden their reach, offering support to children worldwide to engage in training. Leveraging their extensive network of friends and academy partners, they started integrating scholarships within their schools, ensuring that financial barriers would not prevent children from accessing their programs. Their goal is to enable more youth to experience the transformative benefits of Jiu-Jitsu.  Ben is one of the founders of Guardian, where he has played a strong role in shaping the organization's branding and long-term strategy. His involvement in Jiu-Jitsu began in 2006 at Yamasaki Academy, and he earned a black belt in 2019. This experience inspired him to create a non-profit focused on making Jiu-Jitsu training accessible to all. Ben has a background in tech, having worked at Twitter, where he met Joel Lunenfeld, his co-founder. Both have been deeply committed to the sustainability  & mission of Guardian. For more information: www.guardiangym.org For more Small & Gutsy episodes and information to refer an organization or to be on the podcast: www.smallandgutsy.org  

In this nonprofit podcast story, I share about a personal experience and then tap into the beauty of matching rescueres with rescues! I am not sure who rescues whom! I don't know about you, but I think about dog rescue as a really wonderful thing to do although it has its challenges; our dog, Molly is a rescue and I guess that she was not just abandoned, but abused, she probably had a set of puppies and we think was about 2 or 3 when we adopted her. I have never seen a dog eat as fast as Molly - you could feel the trauma in her frenzy as she inhaled her bowl of food - she's only 12 lbs and she can eat. I'm guessing because she can't talk that she's thinking this could be her last meal. She is a love & simultaneously a heartache when you witness this fear in her approach to eating and pretty much everything else. She's a challenge because she pees literally wherever she wants - hence few rugs in our house since she tends to like soft spots, but anywhere will do if she can't get herself outside, and even if she can but feels something is in the way, she will resort to a way of life that is based on having lived outside, hence eat whatever you can find and pee wherever is convenient - she is fear-based and survival-based - I can't say I blame her. She is now 12 1/2 years old and sadly, still eats as if she will never get another meal, eats whatever she can find outside, and has the most blood curdleing scream when anyone touches her backside or even when something, even a leaf brushes up against her without her knowledge- we've all gotten used to it over the years and it is only when a visitor comes over and she screeches with panic, that the visitor feels like she's stepped on her and our response is always, Molly, you're fine. I remember when we first got her and she would only go to our dog, Max, 2 years her senior - he seemed safe to her and thank goodness loved her - they became two peas in a pod and when a stranger would come by as long as Max would go up to the stranger with a sense of safety or comfort, would Molly follow. Her trauma has stayed with her and yet, I know in my heart that she is comforted by the life we've given her and that she knows she is wanted and loved - animals sense when you want to comfort them - they can be challenging when they have been in a world of pain and mistrust and we are asking them to trust us - in some ways, that's like people - the more consistent I am with Molly, the more relaxed she generally is. Yet, that loud-pitched, blood-curdling scream is something she will never give up.      My guest today will share much more, but in reading about herders, I can see why the matching process has to be so targeted to ensure both a happy foster dog and a happy foster home. Here are a few interesting things to note if you are considering fostering or adopting a herder. Herders specifically Border Collies can clear a 5+ foot fence and are known as escape artists - my guess is that they may be escaping if their owner isn't nearby as they tend to be very attached to their owners and become anxious when the owner isn't present; they have a great deal of energy and are often misperceived as stubborn or even neurotic, and difficult to train due to their sensitive nature and desire to be connected to one person versus being part of a family. Some of these reasons are why many Border Collies are abandoned at shelters and elsewhere. Hence, the need arose and was filled by 3 women who joined together to start Helping Herders Rescue. Helping Herders Rescue's mission is to match herders to humans in Southern California; they are a foster-based program dedicated to helping dogs recover, prepare for a family, and find great homes. This is particularly challenging with herding breeds, and they are often misunderstood. For more information, check out their website: www.helpingherdersrescue.org  

  This podcasting story will resonate with anyone who is still living and wants to fully embrace life. There are plenty of words in the English language that are disdainful, hurtful, nasty, & downright awful, but there are two words that are unavoidable and from which we often run: death & dying - no one enjoys grief, sadness, or loss - those words are so dam final! When I was in social work school, I read Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's book aptly titled On Death and Dying, seminal work at that time. Kubler-Ross introduced what is known as the 5 stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance; a 6th stage was more recently added by a colleague of Kubler-Ross', David Kessler, Finding Meaning. It turns out that this concept may have been in Kubler-Ross' initial model, but her editor told her to remove it, as 5 stages are better than 6, although, as anyone who has experienced grief knows, this is not a linear process. One incredibly gifted creator, producer, and writer decided to take on this subject, but not as a passive project, but a fully engaging, head-on discussion to move us, make us think, and maybe make us less afraid of the inevitable.  Grief Dialogues: The Experience brings timely conversations about death, dying, and grief to the stage in innovative, humorous, and touching ways. Part theatre, part therapy, this "edutainment" love that creative name, project began in 2016 with an open call for short plays and was developed from nearly 200 submissions. The original performance was composed of 6 short plays from playwrights across the country. It is a thought-provoking and honest look at the subject of death that invites audiences to reconsider some of the rhetoric and stigmas around the topic. As one of my guests shares: Theatre is the great empathy generator, and out of grief comes art. Grief Dialogues is also committed to offering accessible and affordable training in compassion for health care providers, counselors and therapists, end-of-life specialists, funeral homes, and at-home caregivers.  Let's Write a Musical was born out of this concept of 'out of grief, comes art.' A Musical About Love, Loss, and the Power of Storytelling. A joyous celebration of the power of love and an ode to classic musicals. A heartfelt and inspiring journey that follows David Hamilton and his wife, Lucy (based on Ben and Lawrie), as they write a romantic comedy in the wake of David's cancer diagnosis. As their real-life challenges unfold, so does the story of Olive and Blake, a young couple in the 1950s navigating love, laughter, and misadventures. For more information, check out their website: https://www.griefdialogues.com/ Tickets for Let's Write a Musical are on sale now: https://www.griefdialogues.com/lets-write-a-musical/          

  It has been an honor and a privilege to host this nonprofit podcast to benefit nonprofits and social enterprises Our 100th episode is a montage of what our interviewees shared with us about their experience on Small & Gutsy, as well as some advice for those yet to be interviewed. We are grateful for the opportunity to have interviewed the most amazing organizations over the past 4 1/2 years and look forward to many more interviews, celebrating the work of smaller nonprofits and social enterprises. From Small & Gutsy to Big with Impact! www.smallandgutsy.org

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, second only to water. It comes in many varieties: black, green, white, oolong, and herbal. Tea is celebrated for its health benefits, from antioxidants to its calming effects, and it continues to play a major role in global culture and commerce. In recent decades, tea has experienced a revival in interest, with a growing market for specialty teas, such as artisanal blends, organic teas, and matcha. The modern-day global tea market is vast, and tea continues to evolve as both a daily beverage and a symbol of tradition, health, and innovation. It can solve 3 key problems, particularly in the Himalayas: Urban migration - young folks are moving to megacities in search of work which fragments the family and drives unsustainable urban growth Land degradation - abandoned farmland due to the fragmented family deteriorates into unusable dirt Climate change - increased droughts and floods trigger catastrophic landslides Tea is one clear solution: Tea creates rural jobs and reverses urban migration Tea revitalizes wasted farmland and is an anchor crop for biodiversity Tea leaves drink CO2 which gets stored in their roots and removed from the atmosphere Tea is a gender economic equalizer -  And the outcome of what my guest has started is aligned with many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Their Vision is to create a sustainable future for Himalayan farmers and their families.  Their Mission is to partner with Himalayan communities to raise the quality of their tea, so farmers can earn more and raise the quality of their lives.  Young Mountain Tea partners with farmers in North India to get a new factory up and running. Tea farmers, 90% being women, will launch their region's first community-owned tea factory. This factory will be a blueprint for a model of sustainable change in the tea industry, eventually throughout the Himalayas and the world.   Building A Sustainable Future For Himalayan Farmers And Their Families is truly a social enterprise. For more information, go to: www.youngmountaintea.com  

Finding inner peace is a process that leads to a practice; there are important rituals that guide us in self-discovery. Derived from the Sanskrit word for "circle", the Mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. It is a sacred art form that connects us to our inner selves and the world around us. Their profound wisdom and tranquil messages, serve as a powerful medium to contemplate and find peace within. Mandalas are typically circles with repeating symmetrical shapes, and are considered a sacred symbol. In Sanskrit, mandala translates to "sacred center" or "circle." Mandalas symbolize harmony and unity, and represent that everything is connected. Pema Chodron, the incredible American-born Tibetan Buddist and ordained nun who is soulful and wise shared, "Each person's life is like a mandala – a vast, limitless circle. We stand in the center of our own circle, and everything we see, hear, and think forms the mandala of our life." I love that imagery. One organization has discovered that bringing in the concept of inner peace through an evidenced-based curriculum using the Mandala as a cornerstone enables youth to build and strengthen their capacity to manage stress and conflict in new ways, giving them lifelong skills that serve to build a more compassionate society. Building that society begins with our youth. Tools for Peace is a mental wellness program for youth that provides curricula to grow compassionate minds.    Their Mission is to inspire kindness and compassion in everyday life. Their mindfulness-based social-emotional learning programs support mental health, academic and professional success, and community health and wellbeing. Studies show that the Tools for Peace curriculum improves focus, conflict resolution skills, and confidence, and reduces stress in participants.  For more information, please check their website for more information: www.toolsforpeace.org  

Investing in youth and education aligns directly with Sustainable Development Goal # 4 (Quality Education) and indirectly fuels several others like Decent Work and Economic Growth (goal # 8) and Reduced Inequalities (goal # 10). This perspective reinforces how crucial it is to view sustainability as not just environmental, but deeply tied to social and economic development. It takes a village is a common expression, used by so many to essentially mean…we all need to lift one another up to attain the most robust society for long-term sustainability Lifting up any society often begins with opportunities that offer economic sustainability - those opportunities can only be realized when individuals are schooled and trained. If we don't invest in our youth, we are essentially saying that the next generation isn't worth the investment…what does that say about sustainability? What does that say about building competition that creates a landscape of creativity and forward-thinking products and services? Domestic violence and Early pregnancies among young girls are rampant in communities and are caused by poverty and unemployment forcing families to lack basic needs.  Dependable Youth Initiative Uganda is a registered Community non-governmental organization committed to empowering youth and women through vocational skill building, agri-business, Gender rights and equality, environment conservation, and reproductive health education. Please check out their website: https://dyinitiative.org/  

Two very smart women saw a pattern developing in their midwestern city of St. Louis, my hometown actually, after one attended a meet-up group organized by  Susan Gobbo one of these smart women, who is Brazilian, and who experienced the loneliness of a trailing spouse, herself when she moved to St. Louis in 2008. Years later, she formed a meetup group for other foreign wives. Annie Schlafly, the other very smart woman, who is active in various community groups, heard about the meetup group through the St. Louis Mosaic Project, a regional initiative within the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and the World Trade Center St. Louis, formed to attract more immigrants to St. Louis, invigorating the region with rich culture and intellectual stimulus. Annie  convinced Susan that the international spouses would benefit from meeting more St. Louisans, and the two founded the International Mentoring Program also known as IMP in 2017. Over the last seven years, the program has paired over 600 international newcomers with local mentors. They meet one-on-one, in small groups and for larger events such as sports games and other local fare. Beyond fostering human connections, the program aims to solve a real business problem: According to a Harvard Business Review study, a large percentage of expatriate business postings fail. Many executives ask to return home earlier than planned; others underperform on the job or leave the company. Mentors are a gift and they can be very rare; they're rare, because they're intentional - I use the word, intentional, because that is what it takes to be a great mentor and a great mentee - yes, it's a two-way street, a commitment that can take on a  journey of its  own - meaning there is a structure that has some flexibility and creativity that works for both parties. Mentors can be a surprise or can be set up through a network of connections - what makes it sometimes difficult is for a mentee to find or ask someone to serve as their mentor unless their is a designed program. Now, let's complicate the situation a tad bit, what if you were moving to a foreign country and knew no one, but your spouse or partner who just received an incredible opportunity to earn a living and contribute to the host's country's intellectual  community - so your partner automatically has a network - built-in through their new work life, but what about YOU. You might think…well, I will just support my partner, but what if a year's opportunity turns into much longer and you have remained an expatriot without a network of support… how might you feel and what is the risk to your marriage or partnership or even your family if there are children involved? Personal contentment can count for a great deal in determining longevity in a new environment. Check out their website: www.imstl.org Small & Gutsy was just named # 8 on Feedspot's top 30 podcasts for social impact! We are deeply honored!

What a beautiful and thoughtful reflection on places of connection and spiritual significance. It's fascinating how certain spaces, whether physical or emotional, provide that sense of peace, clarity, or even healing, just like the one I described as a child under the bush in your yard. Weaving the idea of being open to the present moment, and to the connections we share with others can be spiritual in the deepest sense. There's a profound connection between the self and nature, the present moment, and community, which can shape our personal growth. The story of Leonard Knight and Salvation Mountain is such a powerful example of how dedication, belief, and passion can create something that transcends just a physical space. It's inspiring to think of how Leonard's life and work—something as personal as his devotion to his faith—turned into a public monument that has touched so many people across the world. The mountain isn't just a structure; it represents years of persistence, love, and a desire to spread a message of faith, connection, and hope. I also think it's so moving that Bob Levesque is carrying forward Leonard's work, ensuring that his vision continues. It reminds us how important it is to protect and nurture the things that matter deeply to us, even after we're gone, and how communities can preserve these treasures for future generations. It's amazing how these places of connection, healing, and spirituality are passed down through the dedication of individuals and communities. It seems like a beautiful, spiritual journey for Bob to be part of this legacy. His role in preserving Leonard's vision must be incredibly meaningful. Do you feel like there's a specific lesson or message you've taken from Leonard Knight's story and Salvation Mountain that resonates with your own journey or understanding of connection? Check out their website: www.salvationmountain.org  

Loss is something we all experience and I think if you ask the average person about loss, you may get an answer about missing someone who was very special to them, and is no longer here, but loss can take on so much more meaning; it can be loss of an opportunity, loss of an existing relationship, because that relationship has shifted or no longer exists in its original construct; it can be loss of abilities or faculties, Loss simply means no longer having something or having less of it than before; Oftentimes, we need to process that loss and hopefully with time, the pain or the sadness lessens and sometimes, the process of a loss turns into action to prevent further losses. When you meet my guest today, loss took on an incredible meaning in his life; potential and actual loss of nature and natural habitats that forced indigenous people and animals to find other ways to survive, loss of preserving indigenous peoples' villages, loss of clean water for some, loss of environments that had been functioning well for generations, but due to deforestation and frankly greed or ignorance, those places are no longer what they once had been. Imagine being a little boy where your playground is the curiosity of cultures and environments and where your day's goal is to explore every indigenous reptile, spider, and furry animal that comes across your path. My guest today was fortunate enough to have a mother as a travel agent planning exotic vacations, and a father who had a huge number of airline miles, giving my guest and his sister the opportunity to travel to less known places that set the stage for his future professional and, I think, personal journey. Some people are driven by threats - my guest is driven by the threat of loss of the most amazing ecosystems in our global environment; initially wishing to raise awareness about tropical rainforests by publishing his book on line, he established Mongabay in 1999 - the name is also an iteration of a place he loves in Madagascar which he can share with you in a moment. Mongabay has been going strong since its inception in 1999 as a vehicle to raise awareness of and interest in wildlife and wild lands; 25 years later, it has continued to gather momentum and has evolved from a website hosting his book, specific to rainforests with the aim of raising awareness to spark action in preserving these amazing ecosystems, to a comprehensive platform covering a wide range of environmental topics far beyond tropical forests. Mongabay is a nonprofit media platform with more than 90 staff across five bureaus and a network of approximately 1,000 correspondents in 80 countries, producing original reporting in five languages, and is read by millions of people a month. Mongabay pursues stories ranging from conventional news articles to deeply-reported investigative projects. One key goal of Mongabay is to increase transparency through targeted journalism which then influences change by driving greater accountability and supporting an enabling environment for a wide range of actors, from nongovernmental organizations to local communities to green entrepreneurs to take action.  I'd call this driven, initially driven by loss and now driven by the impact Mongabay has surely had. Mongabay draws its inspiration from a global moral code and truly honors nature. Words cannot express my personal awe for Rhett Butler, founder of Mongabay -  Rhett and his global team have forced the revision of laws to protect these environments and manage the global greed for resources that frankly belong to the indigenous people who could then have a sustainable existence by benefitting from these resources. For more information, please check out their website: www.mongabay.org  

Dr. Charity Dean, the public health leader who helped guide the strategic response to Covid-19 in California and elsewhere, shared her incredible personal story of being very poor, born on the side of the tracks in rural Oregon where the kids are never encouraged to seek college or any higher educational degree; in fact, Dr. Dean shared that she should have grown up to pump gas at the local station; she was regularly discouraged from seeking her dream of being a doctor and many doors were slammed in her face repeatedly. So, what drove her to succeed? She shares that there are at least two versions of everyone's story, and both are 100% true. The first version is that she could have stayed in her small community, pumped gas with her friends and simmer with anger at the injustice in being born poor and in her situation where others had no expectations that she would succeed or that she should even try; then, there's version number 2, being the hero of her circumstances became the guiding principle of that story - meaning her being born into poverty taught her to scavenger and scramble for everything including opportunities that looked out-of-reach including flunking out of college and still being determined to go back and finish. Every block and barrier became an opportunity for determination. Dr. Charity Dean wanted to belong, but belong as defined by her version of her story, not someone else's. Belonging is an essential desire for most of us and certainly for young folks who are trying to find their way. Growing up in dysfunctional families, as many of us have, can sometimes push us into trying to belong to a group that may not be the best for our development, particularly for our character - but survival trumps good judgment at a young, vulnerable age and survival include needing, not wanting, but needing to belong somewhere. especially when you feel you don't belong even in your own family. I shared these insights from Dr. Charity Dean, because my guest today experienced some of what she spoke about and had the determination to choose a path that moved him away from his past and encouraged him to believe in himself. Because of that, he is now in a position to help others who have experienced their own isolation or lack of acceptance. Do Something Cool is a Foundation, founded by Bryan Hawkins and his sister, Sarah Kawada, dedicated to supporting youth in reaching their full potential and they do this through the belief that sport, culture, and community are powerful tools for change.Their Vision is to help youth learn and develop skills that lead to social, emotional, academic, and physical well-being.Through their grant partnerships and initiatives and soon directly through their own programming, they aim to help young people to lead lives that are good for others as well as themselves. They want to inspire young individuals to accomplish audacious endeavors that will inform and inspire the rest of us. I need to say a few things about how Do Something Cool defines the word, "cool" - their interpretation of cool challenges the conventional label that you and I might have aspired to as a younger person or perhaps even as adults - it transcends a single definition and rather than being seen as hip or trendy - Do Something Cool defines cool as an ever-changing emblem of authentic individuality and collective action - could be play something cool, create something cool, learn something cool…I love this definition, because rather than cool meaning set apart to 'show-off' or self-subscribed, being better than others - it is actually, the ambition to lead, venturing into new territories while building self-confidence. Cool is the bravery to try something new, despite the fear that is often connected to the unknown - the courage to explore new paths and embrace challenges; cool is the willingness to embrace new experiences fearlessly and the boldness to push boundaries. Cool is the commitment to a greater cause, a community, a giving-back, and the humble gesture of supporting someone else's climb towards overcoming adversity. The way I define cool is simply, Bryan Hawkins and Sarah Kawda. Do Something Cool, in my mind, is more like a movement; if we all subscribed to this concept of advancing our community by elevating its people in this way, just think of what a world we might have… To learn more: www.dosomethingcool.org      

Mosaics are defined as a picture or pattern produced by arranging together small colored pieces of hard material, such as stone, tile, or glass, resulting in the creation of something often ornate and beautiful. Sometimes, mosaics tell the story of what was, what is, or what can be…. Each mosaic is uniquely different and yet shares a common history - simply created from something else. As I was putting together this podcast episode,  I couldn't help but think about our lives that resemble mosaics in that we set out to create a plan or pattern that is predictable, or so we'd like to think, like a ceramic, glass or stone object, when in actuality, it can often be quite different. Sometimes our life plan is shattered, and it takes strength, energy, and determination to keep moving forward to put the pieces back together to form a new life plan; each time we experience this manifesting into a new life plan, we build our resilience and become perhaps more strategic or smarter in putting pieces together, and sometimes, the circumstances make it harder than we could ever have anticipated… such circumstances are poverty and homelessness.  Piece by Piece is an employment-related social enterprise designed to support individuals who have experienced homelessness or economic insecurity. Participants create mosaic art, as well as small-scale housewares and large commissioned pieces,  and by doing that, earn income and master soft skills while beautifying Los Angeles; one of their mantras is: Recycled Art for a New Cycle of Life. Please check out their website: www.piecebypiece.org Their new address is:  6417 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA.  90003