Good Nonsense

Attorney-turned-nonprofiteer Michael Le is a delightful human. The kind you enjoy getting to know. The kind who believes in building “empathy muscle” by planting himself in the mission work… whether or not that work appears on his job description, which we talked about, and more.

Along the way we dive into —

It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at [email protected]!

Mentioned on this episode:

Social Impact Staff Retention project

Ever since Tasha and Evan learned about Veronica LaFemina’s concept of a one-page strategic plan, they were hooked. Years later, it’s been exciting following along as she advises nonprofits on addressing vacancies, siloes, and collective success. On this episode we talked about all of it.

Along the way we dive into —

It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at [email protected]!

Mentioned on this episode:

The Teal Pumpkin Project

Nonprofiteers may not think of “democracy work” as nonprofit work, but it absolutely is. On this episode, Apathy is Boring’s executive director Sam Reusch talks about how democracy is an ongoing conversation—one that helps us decide what type of country, province, or community we want.

Along the way we dive into —

It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at [email protected]!

Mentioned on this episode:

Apathy is Boring

Nonprofiteers, as we enter the fun of year-end mishegoss, we know you need a moment to pause, reflect, and smell the bagels. Join us for this brief, five-minute meditation to find your center.

With love,

We were delighted to be Tim Parsons’ first-ever podcast, and what a deep conversation it was. From Dungeons & Dragons to empathy to disorienting dilemmas and beyond, Tim showed us why having different people in the room allows us to do big things.

Along the way we dived into —

It’s practical, it’s honest, and, as always, there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at [email protected]!

Mentioned on this episode:

Idealist.org

Kimberly Lewis is a wonderfully warm nonprofit leader who pairs grit with grace. From saving an agency from bankruptcy to walking the floor at Goodwill, this conversation with Kimberly shows what true leadership is: presence and heart. 

Along the way we dive into — 

It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at [email protected]!

“What is is not what will always be.” If Matthew Ratz had a family crest, this might be the phrase it dons. A nonprofiteer for 15+ years, Matthew weaves that spirit into his social sector work, and beyond—and we spoke about it openly in this episode.

Along the way we dive into — 

It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at [email protected]!

Mentioned on this episode:

Matthew’s reluctant presence on LinkedIn

Whether she’s saving Ukrainian animals in need or building scalable nonprofit infrastructure, Maia Iva is an expert in getting loud. And Maia’s work isn’t simply compelling—it’s strategic, resilient, and steeped in values.

On this episode we dived into — 

It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at [email protected]!

Mentioned on this episode:

DonorVoice’s work on personality matching

In this episode, we’re joined by Aleda Gagarin, a nonprofiteer who rocks AND rolls. As VP of Influence, Aleda leads big work at Candid… when she’s not stirring up the sector in literal (and figurative) mosh pits.

Along the way, we dive into —

It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at [email protected]!

Mentioned on this episode:

The Go for Gold program

On this special summer episode, we're showcasing a LinkedIn Live event we hosted with our friend, Michelle Flores Vryn. During the conversation, we spoke with Michelle about the annual Social Impact Staff Retention (SISR) data project, which she co-pilots with Evan.

Along the way we dived into —

It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at [email protected]!

Mentioned on this episode:

VIA character strengths survey