Giving Back Podcast

Rob Lowe is the Host of Giving Back Podcast. He decided to give thanks to people who are helping people to change their lives. Because of this show, he is now surrounded by people who really care about others. Guests, people his guests introduce him to, listeners, and friends & family who share their stories – they’re all committed to making a difference in people’s lives. He has been inspired to work with people and organizations that want to make a difference in their communities. Today he gives thanks to people who help him running a successful podcast!

Key Takeaways:

[0:20] This is the very first insight show.

[1:00] Guest shows on Monday, solo cast on Thursdays. 

[1:20] Rob Mentions about Jim Rohn

[1:40] Rob Moved out of my comfort zone in two ways.

[3:10] Rob has a super deeper interest to give back to society.

[5:25]  Rob has started helping people help people

[5:50] Rob shares his journey, bumps and stumbles and all (getting vulnerable, the “V” word!)

[6:40] When anyone give back, he gets three layer of benefit.

[7:25] Rob give thanks to his podcast mentor Jessica Rhodes!  High five to the Rhodes to Success podcast, Interview Connections, and her passion for Clean Water Action.

[8:50] Rob give thanks to Kelly Glover, booking agent extraordinaire and the host of the Big Curvy Love podcast.

[9:45] Rob give thanks to Corey Coates and the amazing Podfly crew, including David, Jerry, Aty, Ayn, and Crunch.  And major amazement at the production quality of the Podcast Producers show.

[11:25] Rob give thanks to Chris Ruppert, his website guy who makes it all seem so easy to stay cool when it gets hot.

[13:10] Rob give thanks to Nicola,His VA who works so hard and not only handles a lot of work, she also has the courage to tell her opinion.

[12:45] Rob give thanks to Jason Havey, Spinning Logic podcast host, and social impact triple threat.  Listen to our conversations at Spinning Logic #74 and Giving Back #40.  His mom says our interview was the best one she’s heard!

[14:50] Rob give thanks to Ursula – He mentions when she smile it lights up Rob's life!

[16:25] Rob give thanks to all GBP listeners.  For your support, for your acts of kindness, and for making our life even more beautiful than we could have imagined.

Caroline MacGillivray is the Founder and Executive Director of Beauty Night. In the 16 years since its creation, Beauty Night has done well over 60,000 life-makeovers for women who live in poverty. The concept was born out of a request from various domestic violence survivors who wanted to look and feel fabulous. Caroline shares how she got started and the beautiful things that are happening within the organization on this episode.

Key Takeaways:

[4:00] In the last 16 years, Beauty Night has done over 60,000 makeovers.

[5:05] Why does Caroline do what she does for those who are struggling?

[9:20] Caroline works with both men and women.

[10:50] Caroline tries to get male volunteers to come in and act as ‘knights in shining armor’ for the ladies.

[16:30] Connecting with others and being validated are human needs.

[23:35] Rob reads Beauty Night’s value statements.

[27:15] What has some of the feedback been from the volunteers?

[38:05] Does Caroline have any highlights to share?

[42:55] How can individuals help Caroline?

[50:15] Be kind to the people who are in your life. Hug them!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Beautynight.org

Jeff Lawson and Chris Hendricks are the Co-founders of Perfectly Afflicted, an organization that helps empower youth, especially those who are at-risk of excessive bullying. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death between 10-25 year olds. This is why Jeff and Chris have made it their mission to empower youth in schools, and help them define who they are as people, before someone else does.

Key Takeaways:

[3:40] Perfectly Afflicted is designed to help and empower our youth.

[3:55] Chris doesn’t like the #anti-bullying campaigns. It’s become a buzzword with no action.

[7:40] Suicide is the second-leading cause of death between 10-25 year olds.

[9:15] Remember, domestic violence wasn’t a crime until recently.

[10:05] Bullying needs to have a mindset shift. People don’t take it seriously.

[13:15] Perfectly Afflicted gives children the opportunity to find themselves, before someone nasty decides to define them first.

[14:15] So how do Jeff and Chris empower youth?

[19:05] Rob is blown away that suicide is the second-leading cause of death for our youth.

[27:50] Jeff should have been dead at 20.

[31:40] What kind of feedback have the guys gotten from the children?

[42:15] There is something magical about music. It brings people closer together.

[48:20] Chris always responds to messages from children who have reached out on their social media platforms.

[51:40] Where do the guys see themselves in the future?

[54:35] The only real way healing begins, is when you bring both the adults and our youth together.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Perfectlyafflicted.com

Perfectly Afflicted on Facebook

David Delmar is the Founder of Resilient Coders, a social justice company that provides web development training programs for youth of all different racial and social backgrounds. Why isn’t there more diversity in the tech industry? Google and other tech giants want to hire them, but the problem is that there’s simply not enough resumes reaching their doors. The problem with diversity in tech begins as far back as 5th grade, not high school or college.

Key Takeaways:

[3:50] Who is David?

[6:00] When David attended tech conferences, he consistently kept seeing beautiful apps that solved no real problems. Why are you making these useless products when there are people starving?

[6:45] David explains that there are two sides to Boston and there’s a huge disconnect between the two sides. 

[10:45] How do we get more diversity into the tech community?

[15:55] The problem is that diversity in tech begins at 5th grade, which is why recruiters are having a hard time finding talent today, right now.

[20:35] What kind of mentorship should these tech companies be providing?

[24:00] What kind of programs and workshops does Resilient Coders offer?

[31:15] Resilient Coders was founded in 2014 and they’ve had 120-140 students since then.

[34:25] David talks about Year Up and how they’ve helped David refine his company.

[37:10] Looking to hire excellent and young tech talent? Get in contact with David!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Resilientcoders.org

Giving Back Podcast

Yearup.org

Joanne Coller has been a volunteer at Operation Gratitude since 2004, but the organization itself was founded by Carolyn Blashek in 2003 when Carolyn spoke to a soldier who had nothing to come home to. Today, Operation Gratitude sends over 200,000 care packages to veterans, first responders, service members deployed, and more. The organization aims to show these heros that there is someone out there who cares.

Key Takeaways:

[4:50] How did Joanne get started in charity work? 

[6:30] Joanne has been volunteering at Operation Gratitude since 2004.

[7:05] How did Operation Gratitude get started?

[10:05] How many packages does Operation Gratitude send out to veterans and first responders?

[16:25] Jessica, the Development and Communications Coordinator at Operation Gratitude, jumps into the call and shares a little bit more about what the organization does. 

[21:25] First responders never hear a ‘thank you’ from the people they serve. It’s just not built into the jobs. They save lives and then leave.

[26:05] This place is magical. Volunteers always come back with friends and family members who want to help too.

[26:45] Even children are eager to volunteer.

[31:15] Joanne and her team were able to finish 500 packages in 55 minutes.

[35:35] When they pack a care package, a lot of times volunteers don’t know what that care package will mean to the person who receives it, but it can be life-changing.

[39:25] You can request a care package on their website and send it to someone in the military.

[39:40] You can even request a care package for the entire military unit;  that way, no one gets left out.

[42:55] Some of the soldiers receive children’s toys, which they then give to the local children in the war-torn area.

[47:50] There are so many different ways you can be a part of Operation Gratitude.

[51:10] Special shoutout to Jersey Mike’s for donating to Operation Gratitude.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Operation Gratitude

Downanddirtyobstaclerace.com

Jersey Mike's Subs

Giving Back Podcast

Robert Clancy is an entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, and author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Soul. Robert has been involved with HOBY ( Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership) for a little over 28 years. There’s something incredibly special about HOBY that Robert shares on today’s show, which is the very reason why Robert has continued his charity work with the organization through all these years.

Key Takeaways:

[3:10] Robert has spent over 28 years working with HOBY.

[6:15] How did HOBY get started?

[13:00] Robert shares what happened during his first year at HOBY and why it sparked a 28+ year journey.

[18:55] What kind of changes has Robert seen over the years?

[23:50] What kind of skills do the students learn?

[29:00] The program has evolved to address our evolving technological world, like how to handle social media.

[32:45] What are some of the things that have stayed the same over the years?

[41:00] How can young adults and children get enrolled in a HOBY program?

[45:55] Robert talks about the first time he meditated when he was 19 and how that was a life changing experience for him.  

[52:50] If you fill your heart with love, life will mend itself, and if you fill your soul with love, you’ll be able to mend the hearts of others.

[58:40] The simple act of a smile can change someone's entire day!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Hoby.org

Guidetothesoul.com

Keren Taylor is the Executive Director of WriteGirl and has been a community leader for nearly two decades. In 2001, Keren founded WriteGirl and for the last 15 years WriteGirl has been able to guide 100% of its high school seniors in its Core Mentoring Program to graduate from high school and enroll in college! Not an easy feat to say the least! Join Rob and Keren on this week’s episode to find out more.

Key Takeaways:

[3:55] Learning how to write is fundamental to your success.

[5:15] For 15 years in a row, WriteGirl has successfully guided 100% of seniors to graduate from high school and enroll  in college.

[6:20] So, what is WriteGirl and what does the organization do?

[10:25] Keren discusses the workshops they host at WriteGirl for young women and teens.

[16:20] WriteGirl has become a place where teens feel like they belong.

[17:15] No matter what the young girls are into, WriteGirl makes it a point to accept them as they are, as individuals.

[23:15] How do young girls usually find out about WriteGirl?

[28:55] Each guest speaker goes through a bit of training before they present a workshop at WriteGirl.

[36:10] What about boys? WriteGirl has recently created a program for at-risk boys too.

[38:55] Keren has seen how the WriteGirl community has really helped our youth get through tough times.

[47:35] Does Keren have any favorite stories to share about some of the girls?

[56:30] It’s so important to be very purposeful towards what you’re trying to do.

[1:00:40] WriteGirl provides so much more than just writing workshops.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Writegirl.org

Writegirl.org/bold-ink-writers

Aiynetwork.org

Malaika Bishop has been working to create sustainable food for the last 20 years. She joined Sierra Harvest in 2012 and has been the co-director of the organization since 2013. It is no secret that food brings communities together, but through our busy lifestyles we’ve become isolated and out of touch, and our children are suffering for it.  By educating the community, we are also educating our children about healthy food options, so that they can pick healthy food today, and not pay the high healthcare price later.

Key Takeaways:

[3:15] How did Malaika first get started?

[4:45] What is Malaika’s role at Sierra Harvest and how did she get started at this organization?

[7:25] Where does spaghetti come from? Children believed it came from a tree.

[8:40] What kind of programs are available at Sierra Harvest?

[14:25] Sierra Harvest is currently working in 22 schools, which takes children on field trips and food tastings.

[17:20] Communities become closer together when we begin to share our food with each other.

[24:35] Sierra Harvest is currently working with farmers to help them be a little more business savvy.

[24:55] You can either pay more for food now or pay more for health care later. It’s up to you.

[29:35] What about organic farming? What are the trends Malaika is seeing on that side of things?

[35:55] What is a land trust?

[44:15] Malaika wants to create a food culture in her community where it’s easy for children to make the right and healthy choice.

[46:40] Sierra Harvest has yearly goals, but this kind of work needs to be here for generations to come.

[48:25] The Sustainable Food and Farm conference will be held January 6th-8th in Grass Valley, California. Hope to see you there!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Sierraharvest.org

Peoplesgrocery.org

Foodandfarmconference.com

Susie Miller is a communication and relationship expert. She is also the author of Listen, Learn, Love, a fabulous book on how you can improve your relationships in 30 days or less! Susie was struck by how large the human trafficking business was and is now part of a cause that helps bring awareness to it. She and other women wear a dress every day for the month of December to let others know that sexual exploitation still goes on today within the United States.

Key Takeaways:

[5:55] Why is Susie wearing a dress in December? 

[6:35] Human trafficking can be defined as both sexual and labor exploitation.

[7:00] There are more slaves today than ever in history.

[8:40] What is justice? The problems are so big, how can we make a difference?

[9:45] How did Susie get involved with Dressember?

[15:45] Susie wears a dress every day in December. Every day!

[21:05] When it’s zero degrees outside, the last thing you want is to have a dress on.

[28:20] You CAN make a difference!

[30:35] When Susie helps others in this world, she also feels grateful for what she has.

[33:05] You can get involved in a big or small way, but what’s important is for you to just GO and do it!

[39:20] Susie invites the Giving Back community to join her this year for Dressember.

[42:35] Organizations dedicated to saving  human trafficking victims don’t just rescue them, they help them recover from their trauma as well.

[44:15] Be the change you want to see in the world.

[45:40] When you go on the Dressember website, look up Susie at Dresses for Justice.

[47:25] What do the Super Bowl and sex trafficking have in common?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Listenlearnlovebook.com

Susiemiller.com

Susie on Instagram

Dressember.org

Ijm.org

A21.org

Blythe Hill - How a Dress Can Change the World

Steven Riznyk is an immigration and business lawyer, but is also a huge animal lover at heart. He is the Founder & CEO of the Black Tie CEO Club, an organization that hosts high-end parties in the San Diego area to raise funds for veterinary bills for abandoned and abused dogs. Steven admits that health care for abused dogs is a notoriously neglected area, but he has to do something for these very compassionate animals.

Key Takeaways:

[4:50] What does Black Tie CEO Club do?

[7:50] There aren’t many diagnostic facilities just for animals. The animal hospital Steven uses charges $2,500 for an MRI. Steven hopes to change that.

[11:10] Where does Steven’s passion for dogs come from?

[19:05] Both Rob and Steven admit that they’ve learned so much from their dogs and pets.

[25:00] It took Steven three months to prepare for one donation event, and that’s with a full-time job. Steven has hosted 8 of them so far.

[29:30] Steven admits helping abused and abandoned dogs is an unpopular cause.

[29:55] Why use a fashion item, like a tie, to help promote dog health care services?

[36:35] Rob admits these ties are incredibly high quality. They feel great!

[41:25] What have people’s reactions been towards Steven’s company?

[42:50] We should not still have homeless people in 2016!

[44:50] Why did Steven start Relationships 901?

[49:35] Steven loves his team so much. You can’t move mountains by yourself.

[55:00] Help someone who can never thank you.

[58:00] What are Steven’s top three words that describe why he gives back?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Abusedandabandoned.com

Relationships 901

San Diego Biz Law

Antoniostefano.nt

Steven on LinkedIn