Escape into a Cause

Join us as we escape into Texas Stars Foundation!

We're excited to welcome Captain Curtis McKenzie of the Texas Stars Hockey and board member of the Texas Stars Foundation to the conversation! 🎙️ The Texas Stars Foundation has been the official foundation of the Texas Stars Hockey Club since 2010. Focused on youth engagement, honoring military families, and assisting those in need, they make a lasting impact in Central Texas through donations, volunteerism, and community support.

🏒 Growing the Game with Youth Engagement – Bringing floor hockey to local schools, providing equipment, and inspiring the next generation of players.

🎖️ Honoring Military Families – Hosting special events, offering game tickets, and providing support to service members and their loved ones.

💚 Helping Those in Need – Partnering with community organizations to assist families facing hardship.

✅ Attend a game & visit the Foundation booth (Section 105)

✅ Bid in jersey auctions (be on the lookout 👀 for the All-Star jersey dropping later this month)

✅ Support upcoming games—half of them have fundraising events!

Do some good in Austin and get rewarded! 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚

• Sign up for updates, or
• Share your #GoodBrag on social media of you supporting a nonprofit through volunteerism or donating and let us know!

👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram

A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios, and Michele Anderson at Pinkletoes Photography.

Join us as we dive into Special Olympics Central Texas!

We're excited to welcome Bruce Williams, coach of the San Marcos Wolverines, and his son Nick, a 5-time gold medalist in powerlifting! 🎙️

Listen in as we dive into all things Special Olympics and hear about Bruce's brand-new delegation in San Marcos, Wimberley, and New Braunfels. For 12 years, he's been helping athletes of all abilities train, compete, and be part of a team.

Since 1969, Special Olympics Texas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has empowered athletes with intellectual disabilities through competition, fueled by donors and volunteers.

🏅 Competitive Opportunities – Providing year-round sports training and events for athletes of all skill levels.

💪 Inclusive Community – Promoting teamwork, confidence, and friendships through sports.

❤️ Transforming Lives – Giving athletes the chance to break barriers and achieve their personal best.

🔹 Got time? – Coach, volunteer, or become a unified partner.

🔹 Donate – Help provide uniforms, equipment, and facilities so athletes can compete at their best. Donate Here!

🏀 March 22 – Central Texas Basketball Tournament (San Marcos, TX)

🎽 April 5 – Central Texas Track & Field Competition (Leander, TX)

Do some good in Austin and get rewarded! 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚

• Sign up for updates, or
• Share your #GoodBrag on social media of you supporting a nonprofit through volunteerism or donating and let us know!

👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram

A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios, Michele Anderson at Pinkletoes Photography, and Tim Nicholson for branding.

Join us as we escape into Addicus Legacy Dog Rescue!

We're excited to welcome Amy Stanton, Director of Addicus Legacy Dog Rescue, to the conversation! 🎙️

Amy's passion for rescuing and advocating for dogs in need is at the heart of Addicus Legacy Dog Rescue, a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to saving dogs from kill shelters and the streets of Texas and Mexico. Founded in 2013, the organization works tirelessly to give these animals a second chance, ensuring they find loving homes and the care they deserve.

Addicus Legacy Dog Rescue operates with the belief that every dog deserves a voice. Through an incredible foster network and community support, they've rescued and placed thousands of dogs in safe and loving homes.

3 incredible ways Addicus Legacy Dog Rescue makes an impact:

🐕 Rescue & Rehabilitation – Saving dogs from kill shelters and providing essential medical care.

🏡 Foster Network – Through their foster program, Addicus helps dogs recover in loving homes while waiting for permanent families.

❤️ Adoption Success Stories – Matching dogs with families and ensuring happy endings.

How to get involved & earn some bragging rights:

⛳ Tee Off for a Cause – Join the 29th Annual Iron Cactus Open Fundraiser (April 17th)—one of Austin's biggest charity golf tournaments, raising nearly $1M for local causes like Addicus.

🍻 Paws for a Cause at Central Machine Works (May 17th) – An annual JW Team Benefit supporting Addicus Legacy. Enjoy a fun-filled event while contributing to their lifesaving mission.

🐶 Apply to foster or donate today: 🔗 Foster a dog 🔗 Donate to save lives

Do some good in Austin and get rewarded! 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚

• Sign up for updates, or
• Share your #GoodBrag on social media of you supporting a nonprofit through volunteerism or donating and let us know!

Follow for updates on:

👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram

Special Thanks:

A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios, Michele Anderson at Pinkletoes Photography, and Tim Nicholson for branding.

Join us as we escape into ATX KIDS CLUB!

We're excited to welcome Tammy Miller, Founder of ATX KIDS CLUB, to the conversation! 🎙️

Tammy's passion for creating meaningful experiences for kids is rooted in her lifelong love of field trips and the belief that low teacher-to-child ratios lead to real impact. Through ATX KIDS CLUB, she's built a program that sparks curiosity, builds independence, and empowers young adventurers to explore their city in a hands-on way.

One of the most unique aspects of ATX KIDS CLUB is its partnership with CapMetro—giving children the opportunity to navigate Austin on public transportation while exploring the city's history, culture, and hidden gems. With four designated park hubs, kids don't just take a field trip—they learn how to confidently move through their city.

🚎 Summer Camps – Weeklong adventure-filled experiences exploring Austin. 🏫 School Holiday Adventures – Fun and educational day trips when school is out. 🌙 After-School Adventures – Engaging activities and field trips during after-school hours.

🚐 Help fund their new van! ATX KIDS CLUB is raising $20,000 through Amplify Austin to help go towards replacing their aging van—allowing them to expand their reach and take kids on even bigger adventures beyond public transit.

🤝 Volunteer as an adult or teen – Lead and support the next generation of adventurers.

🎟️ Join Urban Quest on April 26! A city-wide scavenger hunt through Austin using CapMetro. Get a team together and support ATX KIDS CLUB while exploring the city! Learn more & register here.

👧 Enroll Your Child – Give your child hands-on learning experiences through one of ATX KIDS CLUB's programs.

❤️ Missed Amplify Austin Day? Donate directly here!

💡Do some good in Austin and get rewarded! 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚

• Sign up for updates, or
• Share your #GoodBrag on social media of you supporting a nonprofit through volunteerism or donating and let us know!

👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram

A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible and for their generous donation to ATX KIDS CLUB. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios, Michele Anderson at Pinkletoes Photography, and Tim Nicholson for branding.

We're excited to welcome Morgan Ilika, Area Director of Best Buddies Central Texas, and Tasha Johnson, Best Buddies Ambassador, to the conversation! 🎙️

Tasha is amazing—not only is she a Best Buddies Ambassador, but she's an advocate, a leader. Morgan is just as incredible, working tirelessly to expand Best Buddies' impact in Central Texas.

The loneliness epidemic affects everyone, but for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), it can be even more isolating. Best Buddies is changing that—creating life-changing friendships, leadership opportunities, and employment pathways for people with IDD.

👫 One-to-One Friendships – Helping individuals with IDD form meaningful, lasting friendships.

💼 Integrated Employment – Connecting participants with career training and job opportunities.

🎤 Leadership Development – Empowering individuals with IDD to become self-advocates and community leaders.

🏃 Join the Friendship Walk – April 26, 2025 at WHS! A fun, family-friendly event that raises funds for Best Buddies programs.

🏫 Encourage your local schools to start a Best Buddies chapter – It's a game-changer for students of all abilities!

🤝 Become a Buddy! Get matched and form a friendship that makes a difference.

❤️ Donate to Best Buddies Central Texas – Every dollar helps expand their reach and impact more lives. Donate here - Donate on March 5-6th via Amplify Austin here or directly here!

Do some good in Austin and get rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚

👉 Sign Up for Updates

👉 Join the conversation or share your #goodbrag to inspire others in the Community Facebook Group

Follow for updates on:

👉 Facebook

👉 Instagram

Special thanks ❤️

Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast happen and donating to Best Buddies Central Texas, Texas Stars Foundation for generously donating hockey tickets to those that give back, Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios, Michele Anderson at Pinkletoes Photography, and Tim Nicholson for branding.

Join us as we Escape into Generation SERVE!

We're thrilled to welcome Stephanie Bazan, Executive Director of Generation SERVE, to the conversation. She shares how youth volunteerism is creating a lasting impact in and around Austin, TX—empowering the next generation to step up, take action, and make a real difference in their communities.

We're excited to welcome Kristin Finan, Co-Founder of Carrying Hope, to the conversation. She shares how Carrying Hope makes an impact for youth and families impacted by the foster care system across Texas.

Right now, over 21,000 children are in foster care in Texas. The good news? There are people stepping up to support them in meaningful ways, like Carrying Hope!

3 incredible programs:

🎒 Hope Packs – Essentials for kids entering foster care

💇🏽‍♀️ Hair & Hope – Helping girls with textured hair feel confident and connected

🏠 Hope's Home – Stable housing for young adults aging out of the system

Get involved:

📅 February 28, 2025 | Hope Blooms Gala, a night that helps sustain all of Carrying Hope's work!

🍦 Give the gift that keeps on giving and support the Gelato Shop that's in the works – They need help raising $20,000!

🏛️Have expertise passing a bill? Your legislative experience can be used to fulfill a frequently neglected basic need for foster care children.

🎒 Make a Hope Pack with your colleagues or kiddos!

❤️DONATE HERE! - https://carryinghope.org/

Do some good in Austin and get rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚

👉 Sign Up for Updates

👉 Join the conversation or share your #goodbrag to inspire others in the Community Facebook Group

Follow for updates from Escape into a Cause on

👉 Facebook

👉 Instagram

Special thanks ❤️

Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast happen and donating to Carrying Hope, Texas Stars Foundation for generously donating hockey tickets to those that give back, Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios, Michele Anderson at Pinkletoes Photography, and Tim Nicholson for branding.

We're excited to welcome Courtney Dickey, President, and Whitney Broughton, Assistant to the President, of The Junior League of Austin (JLA) to the conversation. They share how JLA supports children's welfare programs by providing coats, shoes, and meals across Austin.

But their impact doesn't stop there. These badass women are also lifting each other up—connecting, mentoring, and creating opportunities for women to lead in both the nonprofit and for-profit worlds.

Tune in to hear how giving back is about more than just charity—it's about building a strong community of women supporting women.

Get involved:

Mark your calendars!

📅 February 1, 2025 | Member applications due for women ages 25-30!

📅 March 6, 2025 | Austin Entertains - Early Bird Pricing Begins on Feb 5th!

Supporting entrepreneurs and innovative women in the culinary arts by showcasing the Austin area's top chefs and bartenders while benefiting The Junior League of Austin!

🔔 Be reminded by joining the Escape into a Cause Community Facebook Group

🔗 The Junior League of Austin

Do some good in Austin and get rewarded!

👉 Sign Up for Updates

Follow for updates from Escape into a Cause on

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👉 Instagram

Share your #goodbrag to inspire others, and leave us a review to help spread the word.

Special thanks to Todd Thompson for editing and mixing this episode, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for music, Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios, Michele Anderson at Pinkletoes Photography, Tim Nicholson for branding, and Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast happen and donating to JLA!

Join us as we Escape into SAGE Studio ATX!

Host Stephanie Dyer and co-host Courtney Dickey as they tackle the growing loneliness epidemic. Discover how giving back and engaging in your community can not only combat loneliness but also make you a happier, more connected person.

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome the dynamic Lucy Gross, Co-founder and Director of External Relations at SAGE Studio ATX. Lucy shares the incredible work SAGE is doing to empower artists with disabilities, showcasing their creativity and impact in Austin's art scene. Listen up and learn how you can support these artists and make a difference in their lives!

Get involved:

Mark your calendars!

📅 February 1, 2025 @ 12pm-4pm at SAGE Studio | Solo Exhibition, Towers, by Anna Burke

🔔 Be reminded by joining the Escape into a Cause Community Facebook Group

🔗 SAGE Studio ATX

🔗 Open Canopy Austin

Do some good in Austin and get rewarded!

👉 Sign Up for Updates

Follow for updates from Escape into a Cause on

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👉 Instagram

Share your #goodbrag to inspire others, and leave us a review to help spread the word.

Special thanks to Todd Thompson for editing and mixing this episode, 15 and 16 year olds Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the great music, Cory McKane for the awesome studio space at Just Push Record Studios, Michele Anderson at Pinkletoes Photography, Tim Nicholson for the epic branding, and Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast happen and donating to SAGE Studio!

Episode 1: The Journey Begins: Getting Familiar & Why We Think You Should Brag

Welcome to the first episode of Escape into a Cause! Host Stephanie Dyer and co-host Courtney Dickey introduce the podcast, sharing why it's for busy people ready to turn good intentions into meaningful action.

In this episode, Steph and Courtney discuss the purpose behind the podcast, their journey to get involved in their community, and whether sharing acts of kindness is bragging—or something more powerful. They'll also share personal stories, explore the ripple effects of kindness, and set the stage for future episodes featuring inspiring nonprofits and thought-provoking topics.

What You'll Learn:

• How Courtney's 15+ years of nonprofit experience have shaped her perspective and created opportunities beyond the nonprofit world.
• Why sharing the good you do is another good thing.
• Ways to start making a difference in your community.

Get Involved:

Do some good in Austin and get rewarded!

👉 Sign Up for Updates

Follow for updates from Escape into a Cause on

👉 Facebook

👉 Instagram

Share your #goodbrag to inspire others, and leave us a review to help spread the word.