Nonprofit on the Rocks

Matt talks to Nick Arquette (yup, he’s one of those Arquettes) the founder of Walk with Sally, an organization dedicated to supporting people—especially children—who have lost a loved one to cancer. Nick’s mom died of cancer when he was a teenager and the impact of that lost changed his life forever. As a result, he has dedicated much of his life to helping make sure others who experience this tragedy are not alone in their journey through grief.

Matt talks to Mark Loranger, President and CEO of Chrysalis, a nonprofit devoted to helping people overcome barriers to employment and find and retain jobs.

The gentlemen discuss topics ranging from viable ways to help stem the homeless crisis in this country, as well as whether or not Matt’s Botox injections will make him look like George Hamilton in 10 years and if people working at foundations can outdrink them or not.

Matt talks to Kim Peterson, Vice President of Change Management at Aviva Family and Children’s Services. What is Change Management, you ask? We asked Kim that question, too. Tune in for the detailed response.

Matt and Kim also talk about DEI (or is it EDI?) and what nonprofits could be doing better, and reminisce about their bygone days of clubbing in West Hollywood. This episode has it all.

Matt talks to his high school pal, Jen Levy, the founder and Executive Director of the Beverly Hills Community Farm, an organization that cultivates greater health and well-being, by growing local food with hands-on community involvement.

Jen advocates for sustainability via hydroponic farming, shorter showers, the elimination of single-use plastic and trying sorrel (aka “lemonade in a leaf”) Matt advocates for drinking Four Roses bourbon, the elimination of flushing after just peeing, and for voting for David as the hottest of all the 90210 guys.

Matt talks to Wendy Carpenter, CEO of Penny Lane, a nonprofit that helps empower children, youth and families by providing essential services to help them reach their highest potential.

Wendy talks about how challenges in her childhood helped prepare her for the work she does today, and the importance and power of empathy. Matt shares the importance of not firing someone with the door closed, unless you're the closest to the door or an open window from which you can escape.

This episode is full of both heart and humor; don't miss it!

Matt talks to Lisa Stein, CFAO of Story Corps, New York City resident, and our first East Coast guest! The pair talk about everything from life in the Big Apple, to life after the pandemic; questions to ask a potential board member, to questions Matt and Phillip’s dog psychic answered for them. Yup, you read that right.

Story Corps is the largest archive of oral history in the US, with stories stored in the Library of Congress. Will this conversation be among them? Time will tell.

Matt talks to the legendary Patti Paniccia, former professional surfer, and co-founder of the women’s pro tour, a lawyer, a champion for gender equality, a broadcast journalist, a law professor, and mother of two. So, basically a slacker.

Matt and Patti talk about her ground-breaking careers, her biggest successes and most terrifying wipeout, how far women have come in sports (and how far they still have to go), as well as cover hard-hitting topics, like referring to Malibu as “the bu,” and whether or not surfers really pee in their wet suits.

Matt talks to Mark Waterson, the well-dressed CEO of the Convalescent Aid Society, a Pasadena nonprofit that loans free, durable medical equipment. The guys discuss what it takes to be a nonprofit executive, what brings them joy at work in 2020, and whether or not Mark is a Speedo guy.

Matt talks to Iliana Tavera, Executive Director at Haven Hillls, a nonprofit that provides shelter and services for domestic violence survivors and their families.

They reminisce about their shared experience being young EDs (a loooong time ago), the things they love the most about their jobs, and what they find the most difficult (and what their spouses find the most difficult) They also explore how the pandemic has impacted domestic violence and the organizations that work with survivors of it.

Matt talks to Carlyne Ervin, VP of HR at Chrysalis, an organization who's philosophy is that a steady job is a key step in a person’s transition out of poverty and onto a pathway to self-sufficiency.