Giving Back Podcast

Welcome to the 56th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing to Proof that you get more than you give. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

Starting 2018 by stretching outside of my comfort zone: my first FB Live and recording today’s show at the same time.  Not as bad as I thought once I got started, like most obstacles. This is a great lesson for me: Think of where I would be if I’d started FB Live on 4th of July like I wanted!

Resolutions: commitments to myself because I’m worthy.  

1. Being present: F2F in person or from a distance
2. Give back, connecting people and organizations and resources so leaders can serve more people
3. Working with leaders: spreading message and resources about giving back

Charity Charge card: everybody can get one, but it’s not for everyone.  The credit card reserved for people who care.  Stephen Garten recently asked me for proof that you get more than you give.  Here goes:

1. Short term: start with science.  We get a chemical rush when we give for the right reasons.  Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphins.  Awesome!
2. Medium term: connecting with people who share a common value outside our normal circles.  Our worlds expand.  We grow:  personally, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.  We’re happier the more social we become.  Sweet!
3. Long term: we do stuff with people we like.  Socially and Professionally, our networks grow.  The things we do are exposed to a greater number of people who like us and trust us.  When they or someone they know needs what we do, you’re the one they’re gonna call.

Some business examples: Aaron Steed from Meathead Movers and #MoveToEndDV, Jason Kveton from Culver’s, Whole Foods &  Zingerman’s from Conscious Capitalism by John Mackey.

This stuff really works.  If it sounds too hippy-dippy or touchy-feely, make your own move outside of your comfort zone and give it a shot.  What have you got to lose?  More importantly, what do you have to GAIN?

Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness. Look what it does for you!

Love & Gratitude,

Rob

Rob’s first FB Live, Proof that you get more than you give 😍

https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/310756089328412/?hc_ref=ARQBAUhEzIGKBFDoICIqqLQJyxxta2CCyLs0mKEmnwCzIoBr0zkrgWJ4bEc51JKR9o4

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast 

www.CharityCharge.com

www.meatheadmovers.com

www.movetoenddv.org

Mark Barone and Marina Dervan are the Founders of An Act of Dog. When Mark and Marina were looking to adopt a new dog, they found out the staggering numbers of dogs and cats, that are killed in shelters every day. Upset by this, Mark painted 5,500 portraits of dogs to try to illustrate the stark reality of how many dogs are killed per day. Through their art, they are able to fund rescue groups across the nation, as well as work with children to show kids how to use their art for social change. 

Key Takeaways:

[5:45] How did An Act of Dog get started? 

[11:20] People say, ‘somebody needs to do something’, but then they don’t do anything. You are somebody! 

[12:50] The numbers are easy to ignore, but the images are impossible to ignore.

[15:50] Who are Mark and Marina, and what do they do? 

[20:30] How long did it take Mark to paint 5500 dog portraits?

[26:00] It is unfortunate that we’re cutting out so many creative programs in schools right now. The creative process is important even if the children never get into art.

[32:10] Mark and Marina have a PBS documentary coming out soon about them. How did that get started? 

[36:25] Unfortunately, as Mark says, this stuff is not newsworthy. They had to do something big in order for them to get the attention they needed on this cause. 

[37:30] How do Mark and Marina maintain their relationship with each other while they have an ‘all in’ mentality with An Act of Dog? 

[45:00] It was tough painting 20 different dogs a day for Mark, but he knew he had to visually represent what was happening to these poor animals. 

[50:30] Want to help support An Act of Dog? You can always start by calling your local PBS station and asking them to air Mark and Marina’s documentary in your local state or county!  

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

An Act of Dog

Good Karma Puppy Rescue

Mark Barone

The Honesty Coach.com

 

Welcome to the 55th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing celebrating by sharing. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!

[tweetthis]Matt encouraged every one of his employees to consider their own cause[/tweetthis]

Key Takeaways:

Raleigh Marketing Consultants are brand ambassadors for Fortune 500 clients who hire them to represent their brand with confidence and go talk directly to their customers for them! Raleigh Marketing Consultants started in October 2016 and celebrated their one-year anniversary by coming together as a team to give back to their community. For Thanksgiving, they sponsored a family for their Thanksgiving meal and for Christmas sponsored another family for their Christmas presents. Both families were found right through public access thru the county. Led by their CEO Matt Eames, the whole company pitched in for recipes, shopping, and toy fights. In a radical leadership example of values from the top, implementation from the bottom, Matt encouraged every one of his employees to consider their own cause that they want to be involved in, and provides support to make that happen They love to write blogs and make cool videos of their work environment, including our philanthropy, in hopes that inspires other companies to do the same in addition to attracting more positive, like-minded individuals who also love supporting their community. Raleigh Marketing Consultants plan on doing this again in 2018, in addition to adopting new charities and philanthropy projects our employees want to get involved in! Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s to an amazing 2018 and having fun giving and sharing like Raleigh Marketing Consultants. Here’s more about their season of sharing: http://raleighconsultantsinc.com/sponsoring-a-family-this-holiday-season-with-raleigh-marketing-consultants/ And remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.

Love & Gratitude, Rob

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Raleigh Marketing Consultants

Nick and Mike Fiorito are two brothers from Brooklyn and the founders of HappyFreaks, where they deliver blankets and handwritten notes to the homeless across the country during the winter. On the show, Nick and Mike share their stories about how they were able to grow their movement to the success we see today. They also discuss their philosophy and how giving back is a huge factor intertwined into their beliefs. 

 

Key Takeaways:

[4:00] How did Blankets of Hope get started? 

[6:00] Every morning when Nick went to work, he would see a homeless guy who he kept promising (in the back of his head) he would help. When winter came, he knew he couldn’t put it off any longer. 

[10:10] Blankets of Hope gives more than just blankets to the homeless. 

[13:10] Stop judging! People have an unfair bias against homeless people. 

[15:55] What do Nick and Mike’s friends and family think about all of this?

[18:55] There is no better gift out there than giving.  The secret to a good life is giving. 

[22:10] Big shoutouts to Todd Chaffee for believing in what Nick and Mike were doing. 

[24:35] How did Nick and Mike build traction and get bigger? 

[27:50] Nothing is ever permanent. For many of these people, they were living fine one day and then a snowball effect happened and they lost their homes and stability. 

[32:35] Nick and Mike believe what you put into your mind is what comes out. If you feed your mind with positivity, then nothing but good will come out. 

[38:25] What books do Nick and Mike recommend to others? 

[42:00] Nick and Mike dive into their beliefs and their Stoic philosophy.  

[44:20] Remember, we can only control what is within our control. 

[45:55] What’s next for Nick and Mike? They do their Happy Feet project when it’s not winter and they give socks to the homeless.

[48:05] Nick and Mike share some stories about the people they’ve helped and the impact it has had on them. 

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

HappyFreaks

Stoic Elite

Todd Chaffee

Blankets of Hope 2017 on GoFundMe

The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olson

The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle

 

Want to treat yourself to an awesome holiday event? Surround yourself with a bunch of fun, nutty people and go out and share some love. It’s like Christmas for the Oak Luv crew: everyone was waiting at Knucklehead Santa’s house, getting ready to hit the road. What a huge treat for me. Do you remember getting a bike for Christmas? I sure do. Orange with black pinstripes, banana seat and gooseneck handlebars. Awesome. Best Christmas ever as a kid. Seeing the look on kids’ faces when they unwrapped their gifts. Seeing the look on moms’ faces when their kids unwrapped their gifts. It takes courage for these moms and dads to ask for help. Putting love before pride. As I’m flipping through pictures of the day, I’m feeling the joy all over again and getting ready for next year. Drive by gifting, our Solid Few reindeer escorts, dancing, honking, waving, chaos, chilling with my buddy Mark, cocktails in the courtyard, handing out candy, gifts, and plenty of love. And a reminder that all tears come from love, not sadness. Getting serenaded: beautiful twist of fate Let the gift of giving get a hold of your heart. Oak Luv crew: Alex, Mark, Alan, Todd, Hailey, Soto, Tiffany, Maria Solid Few motorcycle club: Robos, E, J, Kyle, Roland Thank you to the Barrons, the Schmids, the Byrnes, the Mills and the Casamire families for stepping up in the last minute to make a very special Christmas for a whole bunch of kids.

I also want to give a special shout-out to Koda from Victoria’s Secret. I stopped with my son Carson to help a young lady in need outside their Union Square store and Koda came to check US out. She reminded the young lady that if she was cold or in trouble to come into the store. I appreciate her caring more than she knows. Human kindness abounds this holiday season and all year around.

Whatever your belief system celebrates, in the spirit of love and kindness I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Love & Gratitude, Rob

To find out more about the Oak Luv Foundation: www.OakLuv.org

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

www.OakLuv.org

Alex Cox and his friend Alan Smith started OakLuv Foundation on a whim 9 years ago. It was Christmas day and they wanted to give back, so what did they do? Alex dressed up as Santa Claus and Alan as ‘Chaz the Elf’ to give toys to people who needed it. This sparked something inside both of them and they knew that that had to become a long-standing tradition. Find out more about OakLuv on today’s episode! 

 

Key Takeaways:

[4:45] How did OakLuv first get started? 

[8:00] Christmas Day 2009 changed Alex’s life forever.

[12:00] Alex calls himself ‘Knucklehead Santa’ and tells kids he’s not the real Santa, but is related to him. 

[16:30] One child receiving the gifts asked if Alex was ‘hella rich’ because of Alex’s giving nature. 

[19:40] Alex has been receiving donations left and right. He and his team of elves are able to give back to the community on a completely different level than when they first started this 9 years ago.  

[22:20] Why are people so attracted to what Alex and his team are doing? 

[28:00] Pandora is one of their donors and they allow for Alex and his team to do what they’re good at with no ‘corporate’ limits. 

[31:55] Alex shares the story about creating a pinata the size of a minivan that’s filled with toys. 

[38:45] Do you believe in Santa Claus? 

[41:10] How does OakLuv make a difference in Alex’s life? 

[47:35] Since Alex is going into more dangerous areas in Oakland, has Alex and his team had any close calls?

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Oakluv Foundation

 

Welcome to the 53rd episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing Kicking off the New Year. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

A hearty welcome to my special guest Kate Schell.  Amazing leader and my accountability coach with the Co-Working 2 team by way of Freedym.

Ryan Lee, thank you for keeping it real and introducing me to Kate!

What makes Kate such an amazing coach?  Learning with us as well as learning about us, and giving us what WE need.

Checking in and being accountable is not about guilt for falling short

She’s been there, done that, and fallen flat.  Starts with self-work.

Inviting people to the table: we all have a seat.  She wants us to know there’s a seat at Kate’s table for each of us and we have her ear when we need it.

Holding a lighter grasp on “things” and allowing results to flow naturally as a result of doing what’s an extension of yourself.

Part of my accountability is holding that mindset, not just a “to-do” list

Little wins along the way, your ego allows you to do bigger and bigger things.

Next year for Kate: exciting and terrifying at the same time

Kate’s mantra:

“But what if I fail?”

“Oh but my darling, what if you fly?”

Whatever your belief system celebrates, in the spirit of love and kindness I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Love & Gratitude,

Rob

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Freedym.

Ronni Abergel and three friends founded The Human Library, which originally appeared in Copenhagen, Denmark before going on tour.  The Human Library has been presented in 70 countries around the world, and it first came to the United States in 2008. This library is to stimulate positive conversations that challenge prejudices and stereotypes through the sharing of other people’s stories. We all have label makers in our heads, but it’s time we break that once and for all by putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes. 

 

Key Takeaways:

[4:15] Humans are books. Each one of us has our covers, and inside those covers, we have our stories. 

[6:00] Ronni is interested in publishing books from people who have been unjustly stigmatized.

[6:55] By calling someone ‘obese’ in your stories, aren’t you further adding to the stigma? 

[11:35] When Rob goes on to the website and see these labels, he has some pre-conceived notions about what he thinks they are. However, when he reads further into their individual stories, he learns so much more. 

[12:35] No matter how open-minded you might be, we all have label makers in our heads.

[17:15] When a reader came into The Human Library, he said that he’s never met a Muslim person before. After reading a human book written by a Muslim, this reader ended up walking away with a deeper understanding about their culture. 

[19:25] Increasing military spending won’t solve the world's problems. Sitting down and talking to other people who are different from you, and respecting them, will lead to better conflict resolution. 

[25:40] Do you have a question about a culture, a belief, or an orientation? The Human Library has the answers! 

[33:45] You might not always change a person or their prejudices, but by providing a bit of insight into someone else’s life, you can allow for a connection to happen.

[37:35] After reading a story about a young girl being molested by her father, the man reading the book admitted he was a pedophile and had been to jail.

[43:15] Changing the topic a bit, Ronnie shares a funny story about San Francisco.

[48:35] You can host your own Human Library party.  Ronnie explains how. 

[51:15] Interested in finding out more? Feel free to reach out to Ronnie! 

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

The Human Library

Ronni Abergel on Twitter

 

Welcome to the 52nd episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and to share. Today I’m discussing the origin and connection to the family tree. Listen to today’s episode and don’t forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

It’s so awesome to be back!  Our trip to China was amazing and we all had a great time and learned so much.  

We had 26 family members ages 7 to 90 spanning 3 generations.  The picture on today’s cover is the arch to our family’s village.  We start our trip in the southern major city of Gangzhou, 14 million people and growing on a massive scale.  Highways and super fast trains connecting cities.  Communities of thousands with their own schools and senior centers.  Endless rows of bikes to rent --- unlock one, wheel it where you need to go, put it down when you get there.  All at the push of an app.

Mopeds hauling people, containers, carcasses and more.  It’s kind of a wild west, there’s a lot of opportunity of one kind or another to feed the growth.  It’s exciting and grimy and felt chaotic.  

The family village is south of Gangzhou.  What an up close and personal look at my own family’s history.  On top of meeting relatives for the first time, seeing the difference in lifestyles, living standards and opportunities was an awesome reminder of how truly fortunate I am.  

Hong Kong. New York City on steroids.   Tiny island, Massive High rises, Lifestyle wow!

I return to you humble and rejuvenated.

Before I sign off, my deep gratitude, respect and admiration to each of our Amazing Young Leaders.  Five incredible young women & men who are making a difference in their community and beyond.  

Maria Keller

www.ReadIndeed.org

Annie Blumenfeld

www.Wags4Hope.org

Jacob Cramer

www.LoveForTheElderly.org

Chase Marvil

www.TheInspiringProject.com

Riley Joy Gantt

http://www.rainbowpack.org/ :  “Supplying Equal Education for All,”

http://www.juststarttheconversation.org/

Each of them personifies the idea that “Everyone Can Do Something To Help Someone.”  Take action where your heart calls you, the Universe will show you the way!

 

Thank you to Nicola, Chris and the Podfly crew for keeping everything smooth while I was on vacation.  Nicola, in particular, does a wonderful job keeping the love flowing.

Upcoming shows:

Kerry Murry from ShelterBox USA

Ronni Abergel from Human Library

Christmas show with Alex Cox, OakLuv

New Year’s show with the Happy Freaks

Always err on the side of love and kindness.

Love & Gratitude,

Rob

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Maria Keller

Annie Blumenfeld

Jacob Cramer

Chase Marvil

Riley Joy Gantt

http://www.juststarttheconversation.org/

Kerri Murray is the President of ShelterBox USA, a non-profit organization that provides aid, like tents, cooking tools, lights, and more, for families that have recently suffered disaster. Joining the organization in 2015, Kerri’s passion for helping others is deeply rooted in a personal hardship that happened when her daughter was born. On the show, Kerri discusses how ShelterBox delivers aid so quickly, what’s in the 125lb box and how the items help families, and also shares about the non-profit that boosts young women’s self-esteem, Girls Rock.

 

Key Takeaways:

[3:40] What is ShelterBox and what does Kerri do? 

[8:40] When the 2010 earthquake disaster happened in Haiti, a million and a half people lost their homes. ShelterBox came in and was able to provide a third of all tented shelter to the people who had lost their homes. 

[10:05] Everything a disaster victim and their family might need is within the ShelterBox. It weighs roughly 125lbs and costs around $1,000 each.  

[13:00] ShelterBox serves around 30,000 families, approximately 150,000 people, a year. By the year 2025, they estimate they will be helping ten times that number annually. 

[13:25] How do Kerri and her team deliver the aid? 

[18:55] When the 2004 tsunami happened in Indonesia, ShelterBox was able to deliver 17,000 green boxes to families in need of aid. 

[21:25] How do Kerri and her team deliver these boxes so quickly? What kind of logistics does she need to overcome when a disaster strikes? 

[28:35] How did Kerri personally find out about ShelterBox, and why did she decide to join?

[36:35] What kind of feedback has Kerri received from volunteers who have helped others? 

[42:45] What is the Girls Rock non-profit about? 

[48:05] Interested in joining ShelterBox? There are so many ways you can get involved and participate! 

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

ShelterBox

ShelterBox on Facebook

Kerri Murray on LinkedIn

GSK

Girls Rock Santa Barbara

GoFundMe for GirlsRock Scholarships

LuminAID