Good For Others Podcast

Don’t Lead Yet is a conversation about what happens when leadership stops being about having the answers and starts being about asking better questions.

John sits down with Jonathan Castillo, CEO of San Diego Youth Services, to talk about a career shaped by “sure, why not?” moments, from social work and veterans services to systems leadership and the CEO seat. Jonathan shares what he has learned about staying close to frontline work, building trust, navigating change, and why his first year as CEO was centered on two simple priorities: listen and learn.

They also talk about collaboration over competition, mental health, the value of peer support, and why some of the best ideas are not really innovative at all. They come from listening well enough to understand what people actually need.

It’s a candid and practical conversation about growing into leadership without pretending to know everything, and why sometimes the smartest thing a leader can do is not lead yet.

The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change.

👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:
 https://goodforothers.org

📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):
 https://app.goodforothers.org

🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:
 https://goodforothers.org/contact

Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

What does it take to turn creative talent into a sustainable career?

In this episode of The Good for Others Show, John Valencia welcomes Ben Gougeon, Director of Community Engagement at Quad City Arts in Rock Island, Illinois. Ben is the show’s first out-of-state guest since its relaunch—marking an exciting new chapter as the conversation expands beyond San Diego to highlight nonprofit ideas, leaders, and community solutions from across the country.

Ben shares his journey from working as a professional actor in New York, with appearances on shows including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Law & Order: SVU, to finding a deeper sense of purpose in nonprofit arts leadership. He reflects on the temporary “sugar rush” of personal success, the challenge of managing ego in a creative career, and the fulfillment he found in helping other artists and communities thrive.

At the center of the conversation is Quad City Arts’ Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program, a paid, five-week experience that pairs young artists ages 15 to 21 with working professionals. Apprentices develop their craft through murals, poetry, film, theater, music, dance, and other creative disciplines while also learning communication, budgeting, marketing, and the practical business skills required to build a career.

John and Ben discuss why art is work, why creative apprenticeships should be paid, how public art strengthens a sense of connection and belonging, and what it means to put a hand back down the ladder for the next generation.

Learn more about Quad City Arts at quadcityarts.com and follow @QuadCityArts on social media.

The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change.

👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:
 https://goodforothers.org

📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):
 https://app.goodforothers.org

🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:
 https://goodforothers.org/contact

Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

In this episode of The Good For Others Show, John Valencia sits down with Dr. Maxie Gluckman, Executive Director of Friends of Fundesur, to talk about what happens when community-driven leadership, private-sector partnership, and global impact come together.

Maxie shares the story behind the shrimp pin she always wears — and how shrimp exports from Honduras became the unexpected foundation for funding education, healthcare, environmental work, and livelihoods in rural communities. From mobile dental care with “Dr. Candy,” to life-saving access to dengue testing and medication, to a $21 million shipment of donated medicine making its way to Honduras, this conversation is full of powerful reminders that impact can start in surprising places.

Together, John and Maxie explore what it means to listen deeply, act with intention, and support the leaders closest to the work. This episode is about more than shrimp. It’s about connection, dignity, health, education, and the small moments that can change the trajectory of a child’s life.

Learn more about Friends of Fundesur at friendsoffundesur.org.

Learn more about Good For Others Foundation at goodforothers.org.

The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change.

👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:
 https://goodforothers.org

📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):
 https://app.goodforothers.org

🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:
 https://goodforothers.org/contact

Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

In this special episode of The Good For Others Show, John Valencia sits down with Heidi Roddenberry, Chair of the Roddenberry Foundation, for a fireside chat from the Together for Good Conference.

Heidi shares her perspective on trust-based giving, systems change, flexible funding, and what it means to invest in people and infrastructure, not just programs. This conversation explores how nonprofits and funders can build more meaningful partnerships, take smart risks, and work together toward stronger systems and a more optimistic future.

Listen in for an inspiring conversation on philanthropy, innovation, and creating impact through shared vision.

The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change.

👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:
 https://goodforothers.org

📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):
 https://app.goodforothers.org

🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:
 https://goodforothers.org/contact

Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

In this episode of The Good For Others Show, John Valencia sits down with Shara Fisler, Founder and Executive Director of Ocean Discovery Institute, to explore what it really takes to build systems that create lasting opportunity.

From its beginnings as a small summer program to a nationally recognized, equity-centered STEM pipeline, Ocean Discovery Institute is redefining what’s possible for students from historically underrepresented communities. With outcomes like 100% high school graduation and college acceptance rates, Shara shares how a focus on belief, long-term investment, and community-centered design drives real, measurable impact.

This conversation dives into leadership, workforce development, and the importance of building programs that don’t just serve, but transform. Shara also reflects on her journey as a founder, lessons learned along the way, and how intentional culture, data, and innovation can work together to create scalable change.

If you care about economic mobility, education, and building systems that actually work, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to do good, better.

Learn more about Ocean Discovery Institute:
https://oceandiscoveryinstitute.org

The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change.

👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:
 https://goodforothers.org

📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):
 https://app.goodforothers.org

🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:
 https://goodforothers.org/contact

Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

In this insightful episode of the Good For Others podcast, host John Valencia is joined by Parina Parikh, Associate Vice President at Jobs for the Future (JFF), to explore the rapidly evolving world of work. Together, they examine the challenges and opportunities emerging in today’s employment landscape, particularly in light of technological change, automation, and shifting workforce demands.

Parikh shares her expertise on how JFF is actively working to build equitable pathways to economic advancement. She highlights the importance of skills-based hiring, the transformation of education systems, and the role employers and community organizations must play in fostering inclusive economic mobility.

Throughout the episode, John and Parina emphasize:

• The need for adaptability and lifelong learning in modern careers
• Strategies to bridge the skills gap and prepare workers for in-demand roles
• How cross-sector collaboration can support underserved communities
• Why equity and access must remain central in workforce development initiatives

Whether you’re an employer, educator, policy advocate, or job seeker, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on how to shape a more just and prepared workforce for the future.

The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change.

👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:
 https://goodforothers.org

📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):
 https://app.goodforothers.org

🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:
 https://goodforothers.org/contact

Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

In this episode, host John Valencia sits down with Tonya Torosian, Chief Executive Officer at Promises2Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in San Diego County. Promises2Kids provides critical services like emergency shelter, college scholarships, and mentorship programs to help children heal from trauma and build a brighter future.

John discusses the organization's flagship initiatives:

• The Polinsky Children's Center, offering emergency shelter and protection.
• Guardian Scholars, providing scholarships and mentoring for foster youth pursuing higher education.
• Camp Connect, reuniting brothers and sisters separated in foster care through special events and overnight camping trips.
• Foster Funds, supplying basic needs and enrichment opportunities for foster youth.

The conversation explores the deep emotional needs of foster children, the importance of community support, and how Promises2Kids empowers youth to break the cycle of abuse and neglect. John also shares how listeners can get involved through volunteering, donations, and spreading awareness.

The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change.

👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:
 https://goodforothers.org

📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):
 https://app.goodforothers.org

🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:
 https://goodforothers.org/contact

Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

In this episode, John Valencia sits down with Gina Lee, Director of Staffing and Programs with Partnership for a Better San Diego—a trailblazing initiative connecting nonprofits, employers, and workers to build a more inclusive, equitable local economy.

💡 Hear how this powerful coalition is:

Tackling workforce barriers in underserved communities

Leveraging cross-sector collaboration for systems change

Creating accessible career pathways in healthcare and beyond

📢 If you're passionate about equity, workforce development, or community-driven change, this conversation is a must-listen!

The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change.

👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:
 https://goodforothers.org

📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):
 https://app.goodforothers.org

🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:
 https://goodforothers.org/contact

Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

On this week’s Good For Others Show, host John Valencia sits down with Kellye Buchanan, Director of Philanthropy at Walden Family Services and a powerhouse in nonprofit fundraising. With over $25 million raised for causes in San Diego, Kellye shares the secrets behind building meaningful donor relationships and driving mission-focused impact. 💡

If you work in the nonprofit world—or just care about making a difference—this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 💙

The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change.

👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:
 https://goodforothers.org

📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):
 https://app.goodforothers.org

🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:
 https://goodforothers.org/contact

Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

On this episode of The Good For Others Show, host John Valencia sits down with Darlene Cossio, Director of Marketing Communications at Goodwill Industries of San Diego, to uncover the incredible impact Goodwill has beyond just donation centers and thrift stores!

Tune in to hear how Goodwill is:

🔹 Empowering Careers by provides job training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to work

🔹 Offering hands-on experience in retail, e-commerce, transportation, and more through their paid training programs

🔹 Focused on sustainability & recycling by keeping usable goods out of landfills while funding job programs

🔹 Creating real change through their community impact with 1,200+ employees (58% with disabilities or barriers to work)

If you're looking for a meaningful career, workforce training, or a way to support your community, this episode is a must-listen!

🌎 Learn more: sdgoodwill.org

The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change.

👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:
 https://goodforothers.org

📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):
 https://app.goodforothers.org

🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:
 https://goodforothers.org/contact

Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.