Raise Nation

Big Ideas. Bold Voices. Fresh from Raise 2025!

SHOW NOTES:

October 2, 2025 – Episode # 199

Turned Up Raise Series: Part 4

Lights, energy, impact…Raise 2025 is a wrap! But the bold ideas and breakthrough moments from the conference are still rolling. From the backdrop of the San Antonio Riverwalk, our Raise Amplifiers captured powerful conversations, bold perspectives, and fearless fundraising strategies, delivering the magic from the stage straight to you.

In the 4th episode of our special Raise Nation Radio series, we’re spotlighting dynamic voices offering fresh ideas, expert knowledge, and practical insights to drive fundraising forward.

• Tanya Frey – Terra Firma Consulting
• Nathan Chappell – Virtuous
• Mary Elizabeth – Swaim Strategies

Get ready for fundraising fuel that’s equal parts practical and inspiring. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform or catch the full series on the OneCause YouTube Channel.

Highlights You’ll Take Away:

• Inclusive fundraising is more critical than ever. Adapt and engage donors authentically to build long-term trust.
• AI is changing the way we live and work. Harness it responsibly while keeping people, purpose, and values at the center.
• Know when hybrid events are the right choice. Discover how tech and smart design can maximize results.

Meet the Raise Amplifiers:

• Dawn Lego — OneCause & Raise Nation Radio
• Kevin Spykerman – Auction Packages
• Samantha Swaim – Swaim Strategies & The Fundraising Elevator
• Trevor Nelson – HGA Fundraising & Hey Nonprofits
• And the production team: GSF Media

Resources and Upcoming:

• Watch Raise 2025 On-Demand
• Save the date: Raise 2026, August 31 – September 1, Chicago, IL
• Raise 2026 presale tickets launch this October!

Big Ideas. Bold Voices. Fresh from Raise 2025!

SHOW NOTES:

September 2, 2025 – Episode # 198

Turned Up Raise Series: Part 3

Lights, energy, impact…Raise 2025 is a wrap! But the bold ideas and breakthrough moments from the conference are still rolling. From the backdrop of the San Antonio Riverwalk, our Raise Amplifiers captured powerful conversations, bold perspectives, and fearless fundraising strategies, delivering the magic from the stage straight to you.

In the 3rd episode of our special Raise Nation Radio series, we’re spotlighting dynamic voices offering fresh ideas, expert knowledge, and practical insights to drive fundraising forward.

• Daniel Morford – The Pando Initiative
• Stephanie Ragozzino – OneCause
• Kel Haney – Kel Haney Consulting

Get ready for fundraising fuel that’s equal parts practical and inspiring. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform or catch the full series on the OneCause YouTube Channel.

Highlights You’ll Take Away:

• Fundraising events drive impact. Strategically planned, they build community and boost support.
• Modern tech helps nonprofit leaders raise more, engage supporters year-round, and deliver seamless experiences.
• Phone calls make mid-level donors feel valued and can spark the next gift.

Meet the Raise Amplifiers:

• Dawn Lego — OneCause & Raise Nation Radio
• Kevin Spykerman – Auction Packages
• Samantha Swaim – Swaim Strategies & The Fundraising Elevator
• Trevor Nelson – HGA Fundraising & Hey Nonprofits
• And the production team: GSF Media

Resources and Upcoming:

• Watch Raise 2025 On-Demand
• Save the date: Raise 2026, August 31 – September 1, Chicago, IL
• Raise 2026 presale tickets launch this October!

Big Ideas. Bold Voices. Fresh from Raise 2025!

SHOW NOTES:

September 25, 2025 – Episode # 197

Turned Up Raise Series: Part 2

Lights, energy, impact…Raise 2025 is a wrap! But the bold ideas and breakthrough moments from the conference are still rolling. From the backdrop of the San Antonio Riverwalk, our Raise Amplifiers captured powerful conversations, bold perspectives, and fearless fundraising strategies, delivering the magic from the stage straight to you.

In the 2nd episode of our special Raise Nation Radio series, we’re spotlighting dynamic voices offering fresh ideas, expert knowledge, and practical insights to drive fundraising forward.

• Livia Christensen & Chris O’Shea – C2 Auctions
• Sarah Mason-Fagg – Breakthrough T1D
• T. Clay Buck – Next River Fundraising Strategies

Get ready for fundraising fuel that’s equal parts practical and inspiring. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform or catch the full series on the OneCause YouTube Channel.

Highlights You’ll Take Away:

• Strategic thinking strengthens mission impact. Applying business expertise to nonprofit work brings focus and scalability.
• Events are powerful engines for impact. When managed strategically, they can build both community and critical funding.
• Systems and storytelling build sustainability. Nonprofits thrive when structure supports mission and stories connect with hearts.

Meet the Raise Amplifiers:

• Dawn Lego — OneCause & Raise Nation Radio
• Kevin Spykerman – Auction Packages
• Samantha Swaim – Swaim Strategies & The Fundraising Elevator
• Trevor Nelson – HGA Fundraising & Hey Nonprofits
• And the production team: GSF Media

Resources and Upcoming:

• Watch Raise 2025 On-Demand
• Save the date: Raise 2026, August 31 – September 1, Chicago, IL
• Raise 2026 presale tickets launch this October!

Big Ideas. Bold Voices. Fresh from Raise 2025!

SHOW NOTES:

September 18, 2025 – Episode # 196

Turned Up Raise Series: Part 1

Lights, energy, impact…Raise 2025 is a wrap! But the bold ideas and breakthrough moments from the conference are still rolling. From the backdrop of the San Antonio Riverwalk, our Raise Amplifiers captured powerful conversations, bold perspectives, and fearless fundraising strategies, delivering the magic from the stage straight to you.

In the 1st episode of our special Raise Nation Radio series, we’re spotlighting dynamic voices offering fresh ideas, expert knowledge, and practical insights to drive fundraising forward.

• Dr. Derreck Kayongo – Clean Production Action
• Suzanne Stone – Livestrong
• Matt Bitzegaio – DonorDock

Get ready for fundraising fuel that’s equal parts practical and inspiring. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform or catch the full series on the OneCause YouTube Channel.

Highlights You’ll Take Away:

• Creativity fuels impact. With vision and determination, even the simplest ideas can ripple into global change.
• Impact is amplified through adaptability. Nonprofit leaders thrive when they embrace new challenges and apply their experience in fresh ways.
• Innovation drives resilience. Nonprofits that embrace new approaches can turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

Meet the Raise Amplifiers:

• Dawn Lego — OneCause & Raise Nation Radio
• Kevin Spykerman – Auction Packages
• Samantha Swaim – Swaim Strategies & The Fundraising Elevator
• Trevor Nelson – HGA Fundraising & Hey Nonprofits
• And the production team: GSF Media

Resources and Upcoming:

• Watch Raise 2025 On-Demand
• Save the date: Raise 2026, August 31 – September 1, Chicago, IL
• Raise 2026 presale tickets launch this October!

Practicing donor conversations has never been this fun… or this effective, thanks to AI and a little help from Tivi.

SHOW NOTES:

September 11, 2025 – Episode # 195

Practicing to Win: Fundraising Confidence with Practivated… and an Octopus Named Tivi

Fundraising can be challenging, stressful, and full of high-stakes conversations. But what if practice could turn anxiety into confidence? On this episode of Raise Nation Radio, host Dawn Lego reconnects with Mallory Erickson, founder of Practivated, to explore how her innovative AI platform helps fundraisers rehearse and refine donor conversations. Guided by Tivi the octopus, fundraisers can simulate real-life donor scenarios, receive instant feedback, and gain the confidence needed to connect more authentically.

This conversation is a reminder that technology and human connection don’t compete. They enhance each other, and even a little octopus can make learning fun.

Big shout-out to Mallory for her inspiring speaking session at Raise 2025 and to Practivated for sponsoring the conference. We’re thrilled to feature them in our very first Raise coverage of the season!

Guest Reflection:

“Tivi reminds us that it’s okay to stumble in practice, because every misstep we rehearse now is a confident connection later.“ — Mallory Erickson

Episode Highlights:

• Sharing Mallory’s journey from burnout to empowered fundraising leadership.
• Practicing with intention to transform donor conversations and entire careers.

• Leveraging Practivated to simulate donor interactions and build confidence.

• Reducing fear of rejection by turning challenges into meaningful connections.

• Applying AI-driven practice while keeping the human touch at the center.

Connect with our Guests:

• Mallory Erickson

Episodes Resources:

• Practivated
• Blog
• Responsible AI
• What the Fundraising
• Power Partners Formula

Celebrating the magic when families, volunteers, and communities come together under one roof of hope.

SHOW NOTES:

September 4, 2025 – Episode # 194

Love Has an Address: A Home of Heart at Ronald McDonald House Charities Augusta

Raise Nation returns this season with a mission that touches the heart of every listener.

What does love look like when a child is sick? Sometimes, it looks like a warm meal after a long day at the hospital. Sometimes, it’s a cozy room where families can rest without worry. And sometimes, it’s the kindness of strangers who choose to care.

On this heart-inspiring episode of Raise Nation Radio, host Dawn Lego sits down with David Jacobsen, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Augusta, to open up about the ways this extraordinary mission has been keeping families close for 50 years. From unforgettable family stories to the simple yet profound ways communities give back, this conversation reminds us that love doesn’t just heal, it multiplies.

Guest Reflection:

“Every Ronald McDonald House is proof that when a community decides to care, love becomes stronger than illness, and families find the strength to keep going.“ — David Jacobsen

Episode Highlights:

• Jimmy Murray’s visionary leadership

• Dr. Audrey Evans’ (Mother of Neuroblastoma) compassionate legacy.

• Why “home” means more than a roof for families facing pediatric medical treatment.

• Stories that reveal the everyday miracles inside Ronald McDonald Houses.

• How volunteers turn small acts, like cooking dinner, into lifelong impact.

• The partnership with McDonald’s and local communities fueling the mission.

OneCause Customer Profile:

• Customer Success Manager: Kaitlin Desautels

• Fundraising Software: OneCause Fundraising Platform

• Signature Event(s): Wine, Women, and Shoes

Connect with our Guests:

• David Jacobsen

Episodes Resources:

• Ronald McDonald House Charities Augusta

• Audrey’s Children on Peacock

• R.I.P. Jimmy Murray (6/5/1938 – 8/25/2025)

• Get Involved

• Family Table