Causepods

Welcome back to Causepods everyone! Today our guest is Carolyn Kiel, who is the host of Beyond 6 Seconds and she is here to tell us all about her own journey since starting a podcast just over a year ago. Beyond 6 Seconds is focused on showcasing people’s unique stories and how they have learned from their situations. For Carolyn, the podcast is a great way to pass on information and underline the work and lessons that her circle of friends and guests can share. What started as a way to bring together her own interests, skills, and curiosity and help individuals she knew, has now become a great platform for the trading of ideas and personal narratives.

In our conversation we cover how the idea for the podcast has slowly evolved over the last year before talking about finding and securing guests. We also discuss themes and common threads that have cropped up through these interviews as well as the medium of podcasting and Carolyn’s technical tips for those considering starting their own. Carolyn shares her thoughts on promotion, goals, helpful resources, and even offers some information on her favorite social organization that she supports. For all this and more, be sure to join us!

Key Topics:

• The inspiration and impetus behind starting a podcast. (01:19) • The evolving idea behind the show and who is featured. (02:35) • Finding guests with which to populate episodes.(04:13) • Tying podcasting into the rest of Carolyn’s life and work. (05:14) • Common themes and takeaways from guests on Carolyn’s show. (06:55) • Carolyn’s opinions and experiences around goal setting. (08:52) • Why Carolyn chose podcasting over other mediums. (10:40) • Some of the useful resources Carolyn utilized for setting up and getting started. (12:46) • Carolyn’s advice to anyone wanting to start a cause based podcast. (15:00) • Promotion and getting the word out. (16:48) • Some helpful tools Carolyn uses for social media. (18:58) • A particular organization that Carolyn wants to help promote. (21:11) • Some inspiration and motivation from Carolyn to our listeners! (24:47) • How to get involved with Causepods! (25:48)

And much more!

Support Beyond 6 Seconds

See the show notes and a transcript at http://www.causepods.org/podcast/carolyn-kiel

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Android, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].

And feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].

Stay up-to-date on Causepods by followng Mathew Passy on social media at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

For help, resources, and community support, please join the Causecasters’ Facebook Group if you are already producing podcasts for a cause or are thinking about launching one.

And if you would like to be a guest on Causepods, please fill out this form.

On Causepods today, we welcome Rabbi Richard F. Address from the Jewish Sacred Aging community and the host of the Seekers of Meaning Podcast. As an older member of his community, one that continues to grow and evolve in the modern age, Rabbi Richard found the medium of podcasting a potentially life changing limb that he could extend to those in need. Approaching an assortment of topics that concern the older generation including the obvious ideas of caregiving and death, the podcast aims to offer information and solace from the scripture and tradition of Judaism, for the modern condition.

The Rabbi believes that the audio and preparation of conversation is a great way to connect with a generation who grew up next to a radio and might now be entering the final stages of their lives. In our conversation we cover some background on Sacred Aging and Seekers of Meaning before getting down to questions around audience, audio and technology. We also chat about the doors that starting a podcast has opened and the strategies that have been used to get the word out about the show. For all this and much more inspiring content, be sure to join us!

Key Topics:

• The aims of the organization in which the Rabbi is involved. (01:19)

• The unique set of challenges that face the work of Sacred Aging. (02:39)

• How the audio format suits Rabbi Richard’s older audience. (07:44)

• Keeping the podcast accessible for the less tech savvy. (09:35)

• The opportunities that have arisen from starting the podcast. (10:43)

• The strategies useful in helping to grow a new podcast. (12:00)

• Live podcast recording at conventions and events. (15:08)

• Rabbi Richard’s advice to others thinking about starting a podcast. (17:01)

• Why the audience should tune into Seekers of Meaning. (20:49)

And much more!

Support Jewish Sacred Aging

See the show notes and a transcript at http://www.causepods.org/podcast/rabbi-richard

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Android, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].

And feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].

Stay up-to-date on Causepods by followng Mathew Passy on social media at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

For help, resources, and community support, please join the Causecasters’ Facebook Group if you are already producing podcasts for a cause or are thinking about launching one.

And if you would like to be a guest on Causepods, please fill out this form.

On the show today we welcome Chris Roy, the host of The Professionals in Animal Rescue podcast! This podcast is focussed on highlighting the work of different individuals in the field of animal rescue and shining a light on the different roles that rescue operations need. This pursuit was born organically from Chris’ work as a pilot and while carrying out a particular job he started to realize how drawn he felt towards using his flying skills to help animals more directly. This decision then opened up a whole avenue of ideas, the clearest of which was his wonderment at the need for people with every skillset in the animal rescue world. And so he decided to start documenting these stories in the form of a podcast!

Chris’ story and perspective are truly special and inspiring. He has taken a personal exploration and turned it into a cause building vocation through which he is able to learn, share, and celebrate life in many different forms. In our discussion we cover what led to Chris selecting a podcast as his medium, his relationships with the animals he rescues and notably the steps Chris takes to set the mood for a great podcast. These ideas that Chris suggests are absolute gold for any hopeful podcaster out there, so get ready to take some notes!

Key Topics:

• How Chris became involved in animal rescue and started to use his skills in the field. (02:13)

• Why Chris chose to use the format of a podcast for his cause. (04:53)

• Chris’ experience of the efficacy of the podcast medium. (05:37)

• The turning point for Chris committing himself to this cause. (08:01)

• What its like to have animals as passengers! (09:52)

• Noticeable absences of skills that Chris believes would help in animal rescue. (11:11)

• The early lessons Chris learned about putting together a podcast. (15:42)

• How these lessons have paid off and led to greater interactions with guests. (21:16)

• Using your passion as the basis for cause and action. (25:00)

And much more!

Support The Flying Dog Rescue

See the show notes and a transcript at http://www.causepods.org/podcast/chris-roy

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Android, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].

Stay up-to-date on Causepods by followng Mathew Passy on social media at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

For help, resources, and community support, please join the Causecasters’ Facebook Group if you are already producing podcasts for a cause or are thinking about launching one.

And if you would like to be a guest on Causepods, please fill out this form.

In this episode of Causepods we are joined by Jon Strum who is the host of Real Talk MS, a podcast aimed at creating community around the spread of information on multiple sclerosis. Jon’s desire to create this platform grew out of his personal experience giving care to his wife after her own diagnosis and wishing to find a positive outlet through all the difficulty and sadness that is connected to progressive MS. For Jon, the impact and response to his show has been both deeply affirming as well as healing, something that he aims to provide for listeners and guests too.

We chat about why the podcasting format is well suited to this pursuit, especially with the specifics of MS and Jon is kind enough unpacks some of the lessons he has learned as a new podcaster. We also go into two memorable episodes and why they stand out to Jon when looking back. The discussion covers Jon’s approach to communicating meaningfully and honestly when recording and how he facilitates these kinds of difficult conversations. Jon’s story is so inspiring, you are not going to want to miss it, so be sure to listen in!

Key Topics:

• The reasons that Jon started his platform and podcast. (02:12)

• The altruist impetus and mission of starting a podcast like this. (06:32)

• Jon’s wife’s situation and her relationship to the podcast. (08:45)

• The support system that hosting a podcast provides. (11:59)

• A little about Jon’s guests on the show. (12:54)

• The two standout episodes from the history of the show. (14:41)

• Jon’s secret to creating meaningful and honest engagement on air. (17:44)

• Advice from Jon to prospective podcasters. (19:00)

• The benefits of a podcast over other media and forms of communication. (20:40)

• Understanding your audience and getting a message to them. (22:16)

And much more!

Support The National MS Society

See the show notes and a transcript at http://www.causepods.org/podcast/jon-strum

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Android, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].

Stay up-to-date on Causepods by followng Mathew Passy on social media at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

For help, resources, and community support, please join the Causecasters’ Facebook Group if you are already producing podcasts for a cause or are thinking about launching one.

And if you would like to be a guest on Causepods, please fill out this form.

Hello and welcome back to Causepods! We are back after a short break and slight change in name but are delighted to bring you this episode today with two great guests! They are Dionne Bensonsmith and Tammy Nyden from Mothers on the Frontline. The third cofounder of the organization and podcast, Angela Riccio, is unfortunately not with us today but we are really excited to talk to our two guests nonetheless. The purpose of Mothers on the Frontline is to highlight and share the stories of mothers raising children with special needs. The show was born out of the desire of the founders to support each other, growing organically outwards into the podcast that it is today. They aim to create a space in which conversations can heal, comfort, and educate through care and information and they have found the medium of podcasting to be effective in this pursuit.

In our conversation we cover the beginnings of the podcast, its formation, and the needs that inspired it. We also get into how being avid podcast listeners informed these choices before looking at how the format lends itself to emotional and caring subject matter. Tammy and Dionne are so open and sharing with their experiences and give us great insight into how hosting the show has helped them in their own journeys. We chat about some of the technical lessons they have learned and our guests are kind enough to offer up some advice to hopeful podcasters with similar ambitions. For a beautiful meditation on community and care, tune in!

Key Topics:

• The idea behind Mothers on the Frontline and how it came about. (02:21)

• Tammy’s experience and how this influenced the creation of the organization. (04:48)

• The importance of podcasting to Mothers on the Frontline. (06:28)

• Emotion and care as conveyed by the voice and through a podcast. (10:59)

• Inviting guests and experts and responses to outreach. (14:19)

• Solving one’s own problems through altruists endeavors. (18:17)

• The initiatives and work that Mothers on the Frontline are occupied with currently. (21:08)

• Some of the most important lessons that our guests have learned about the medium. (22:59)

• The value in starting and getting your message out there. (29:35)

• Looking at care and narratives over data collection. (30:36)

• Balancing the qualitative and quantitive side of things. (34:59)

• Comparing the care given to special needs children and those with chronic illness. (36:41)

And much more!

Support Mothers On The Frontline

See the show notes and a transcript at http://www.causepods.org/podcast/dionne-tammy

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Android, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].

Stay up-to-date on Causepods by followng Mathew Passy on social media at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

For help, resources, and community support, please join the Causecasters’ Facebook Group if you are already producing podcasts for a cause or are thinking about launching one.

And if you would like to be a guest on Causepods, please fill out this form.

On today’s episode we welcome Dorothy Illson, host of The Do Well and Do Good Podcast. The show is focused on talking to guests who have achieved a level of financial freedom and use that opportunity to give back in some way. So Dorothy’s show is not all that different from ours here at Causepods, as she is highlighting great causes and the people behind them.

In our conversation, we cover the beginnings of the podcast and how Dorothy got started in the podcasting world. We then go on to chat about her business and how she manages her time between all of her different commitments. Dororthy tells us about the lessons she has learned and hurdles she has faced in this role, and really stresses the value she sees in consistency and sticking to plans and deadlines. We also find time to get a few tips from Dorothy for any hopeful Cause Podcasters out there! For a great chat with a wonderful guest, be sure to tune in!

Key Topics:

• How Dorothy got started with her podcast. (03:21)

• Finding time for running a business and hosting the show. (05:31)

• Making the most of time and respecting deadlines. (07:13)

• Why Dorothy chose to use audio and the podcast format for her cause. (08:54)

• The initial hurdles that Dorothy faced on her podcasting journey. (10:32)

• The importance of consistency and the vital role it has played in Dorothy’s success. (12:11)

• Dorothy’s favorite story from her series so far. (13:40)

• Finding fulfillment through contribution and collaboration. (18:51)

• Dorothy’s advice to someone starting out or looking get started. (22:12)

• How to get involved with Causecasts! (25:06)

And much more!

Support Village Impact

See the show notes and a transcript at http://www.causepods.org/podcast/dorothy-illson

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Android, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].

Stay up-to-date on Causepods by followng Mathew Passy on social media at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

For help, resources, and community support, please join the Causecasters’ Facebook Group if you are already producing podcasts for a cause or are thinking about launching one.

And if you would like to be a guest on Causepods, please fill out this form.

Jennifer spent the first half of her adult life as a portrait photographer, a business she still maintains. Listening to podcasts became a favorite way to learn new things while walking the dog or doing household chores. After the death of her father in March 2017, dealing with and caring for her Mother became a much bigger part of her life. Looking at her favorite media in search of answers and not finding what she was looking for, Jennifer decided she would create a supportive podcast that caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients need and deserve. Jennifer is the daughter, granddaughter & great-granddaughter of women who suffered from Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairment. Looking for answers on how not to become the fourth generation with this problem while also seeking ways to connect better with her Mom has led her on this interesting journey with her new passion, podcasting.

Welcome back to Causepods everybody! Today’s episode is with Jennifer Fink, host of The Fading Memories Podcast. As a newcomer to the podcasting and audio realm, Jennifer and her show, which deals with Alzheimer’s, have quickly shown that they are a force to be reckoned with! Like many of our previous guests, Jen’s desire to create the show grew out of her own need. Having a mother who lives with Alzheimer’s led our guest to seek some more information and reassurance from podcasts and when she struggled to find what she needed she decided to scratch her own itch.

During our conversation we talk through the experiences leading up to the creation of Fading Memories, feedback Jennifer has received and the act of aiding others as a means to deal with our own difficulties. Jen is very generous with her own story, bringing us into her world and the struggles of having a loved one with almost no short term memory. We also get into the some of the lessons she has learned, her belief in podcasting and the important ideas of community and collaboration. For a great chat, listen in!

Key Topics:

• The impetus for Jennifer to start her podcast. (03:33) • The positive response that the podcast has elicited. (06:36) • Dealing with personal difficulty by helping others. (08:14) • Reaching out and connecting with an audience. (09:32) • Some of the support structures Jennifer has found in her research. (11:47) • Collaboration and partnership with similarly focussed groups. (14:19) • A few of the lessons Jennifer has learned producing a podcast. (17:20) • Attracting listeners and the right audience to the podcast. (20:55) • Building a community and offering support for a cause. (23:45) • Cross discipline networking of podcasters with similar goals. (24:31) • How to get involved with Causepods! (27:47)

And much more!

Support Alzheimer’s Association

See the show notes and a transcript at http://www.causepods.org/podcast/jennifer-fink

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Android, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].

Stay up-to-date on Causepods by followng Mathew Passy on social media at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

For help, resources, and community support, please join the Causecasters’ Facebook Group if you are already producing podcasts for a cause or are thinking about launching one.

And if you would like to be a guest on Causepods, please fill out this form.

Larry Gifford is a mindful, conscious leader and a proven radio pro focused on respectful, effective leadership and creating positive, unique, compelling content for ears. He’s also a sought-after talent coach and conference speaker. His successes on-air and in management include experiences at ESPN, Fox Sports Radio, and news/talk/sports stations in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Seattle, Columbus and Dayton.

On today’s episode we welcome Larry Gifford, host of the When Life Gives You Parkinson’s podcast. Larry, who has been in the radio and podcasting sphere for many years now, was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He found that he wanted to find information and solace in the form of podcasts, a source of information for him already. When this search proved unfruitful, he decided to create the podcast that he needed himself and this is how When Life Gives You Parkinson’s was born.

In our discussion we look at the genesis of the show and some of Larry’s personal experience around symptoms and difficulties with his diagnosis. Larry shares some of his ideas for staying positive and upbeat despite the nature of the disease, before we move onto Larry’s thoughts on the podcasting format and his advice for prospective creators. We discuss the efficacy of audio as a means to communicate and some simple ways to get your message further afield, and into the ears of the right listeners. For a great chat with a great Causecaster, be sure to tune in!

Key Topics:

• The events in Larry’s life that led to him launching his podcast on Parkinson’s. (03:14)

• The early symptoms of Parkinson’s that Larry did not recognize. (05:06)

• Remaining positive in the face of difficult news. (06:37)

• Why Larry looked to podcasts for information and comfort immediately. (07:49)

• Some of the differences between radios and podcasts. (08:38)

• Involving family members and loved ones in the process of documentation. (09:48)

• The influence of recording and aiming for an unfiltered conversation. (10:32)

• Some of the feedback and reactions Larry has received for the podcast. (12:40)

• The strengths of podcasting in communicating a cause.(14:36)

• Raising awareness for the podcast and the issue. (15:37)

• Larry’s own approach to the medium and his advice to others. (16:58)

• Growing support through people in similar situations. (20:05)

• Aligning with established causes and societies to gain traction. (21:13)

• Simple tactics for bolstering a struggling podcast. (22.58)

And much more!

Support Parkinson Canada

See the show notes and a transcript at http://www.causepods.org/podcast/larry-gifford

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Android, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].

Stay up-to-date on Causepods by followng Mathew Passy on social media at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

For help, resources, and community support, please join the Causecasters’ Facebook Group if you are already producing podcasts for a cause or are thinking about launching one.

And if you would like to be a guest on Causecasts, please fill out this form.

On todays show we welcome Matthew Zachary, the founder and host of The Stupid Cancer Show. The show started out on the radio during the transition that radio made from terrestrial stations onto the internet and before podcasts were really in the common domain. It focuses on and is aimed at members of the younger generations who are affected by cancer. Since we usually associate cancer with later life, Matthew saw how the experience of cancer in teenage or early adult years was an under represented and marginalized experience. This awareness came from his own battles with cancer in his 20s and him really wanting to extend a limb of support to those who find themselves in a similar situation.

Our conversation covers the beginnings of the organization and broadcast. Matthew explains his motivations for confronting the specific challenges facing younger people with cancer. With over a decade passing since Stupid Cancer was established, Matthew has a great perspective on the changes that have occurred in the last ten years and notes some the vast improvements in support that his and other organizations are now able to provide. We also then discuss the podcast format and hear from Matthew why the Stupid Cancer Show migrated to YouTube and away from a purely audio format. One of the big takeaways from the conversation is Matthew’s assertion that the impact of a project such as his show cannot be quantitatively measured when the effects are so often more qualitative and intangible. He also stresses the need for dialogue and the democratization of such initiatives in which those in charge are listening to the audience and those at which it is aimed. For a fascinating talk with someone affecting real positive change in a global community, be sure to to listen in!

Support Stupid Cancer

See the show notes and a transcript at http://www.causepods.org/podcast/matthew-zachary

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Android, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].

Stay up-to-date on Causepods by followng Mathew Passy on social media at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

For help, resources, and community support, please join the Causecasters’ Facebook Group if you are already producing podcasts for a cause or are thinking about launching one.

And if you would like to be a guest on Causecasts, please fill out this form.

Kitty’s the host and executive producer of the Book Club for Kids podcast. She’s an award-winning public radio journalist, winning dozens of Golden Mike Awards, AP Awards, and ABA Silver Gavel Awards. She’s reported from Africa, The Netherlands, Canada, Los Angeles, and Washington.

Kitty also writes plays and kids books. She’s working on her second middle grade novel set on Capitol Hill. She fell in love with young adult literature when she was still a young adult herself, working at her local public library.

In this episode of Causecasts we welcome the host of Book Club for Kids, Kitty Felde. Kitty started the podcast a few years ago as way to create lifelong readers out of middle schoolers, a cause that we fully support! Coming from a career in public radio broadcasting and talkshows, Kitty was perfectly positioned to make the change to the podcast format, something that she views massively suited to the communication of ideas and the forwarding of causes. The idea of this podcast actually dawned on Kitty while she was still hosting her, adult aimed, radio show and she noticed how many children would end up, unwillingly listening to the radio with their parents. This prompted her to want to create something geared towards the younger generation and when the opportunity for a career change presented itself, Kitty chose the path to do just that.

In our discussion we look at the reason why Kitty thinks conversations with middle schoolers are important and how this grew out of her own experiences as a child. We also chat about some of the most memorable and surprising discussions she has facilitated on her podcast before moving onto some thoughts about why reading is important at any age and in particular just before high school. We also chat about the usefulness of the podcasting medium and the joys that are now afforded those wanting to create and broadcast content in the contemporary climate. Towards the end of the interview, Kitty is kind enough to share some of her expert radio and broadcast knowledge with us in the hope of inspiring anyone considering the idea of starting their own Causecast and getting their ideas out into the world. So for all this and more, be sure to tune in!

Key Topics:

• How Kitty wound up creating a podcast about kids’ books. (01:27)

• Having interesting and adult conversations with middles schoolers. (03:28)

• Some of the most surprising conversations Kitty has hosted. (04:37)

• The events that have grown out of the podcast itself. (07:10)

• The gift of instilling a love of reading at an early age. (08:26)

• The key to getting kids to pick up and books and discuss them. (10:24)

• Why podcasts are such an effective way of communicating. (13:30)

• Considering the future of podcasts for the younger generations. (15:06)

• Kitty’s advice for prospective podcasters. (17:52)

• Some insider knowledge and tricks to improving your content and delivery. (18:58)

• Things to avoid when starting up your own podcast. (20:28)

• How to get involved with Causecasts! (23:29)

And much more!

Support Access Books

See the show notes and a transcript at http://www.causepods.org/podcast/kitty-felde

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Android, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].

Stay up-to-date on Causepods by followng Mathew Passy on social media at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

For help, resources, and community support, please join the Causecasters’ Facebook Group if you are already producing podcasts for a cause or are thinking about launching one.

And if you would like to be a guest on Causecasts, please fill out this form.