Running With the Bulls

In this episode of Running With the Bulls, Matt sits down with Terrance Ruth of Mission Triangle to talk about the experiences that shaped his approach to education, leadership, and community work. From working with students in alternative education to teaching at NC State, Terrance shares how getting closer to the people behind the data changed the way he thinks about learning, opportunity, and leadership.

Terrance’s work with Mission Triangle opens up a broader discussion about what it really takes to build a healthy nonprofit. They examine moving beyond outputs to measure real outcomes, developing stronger nonprofit leaders, and why collaboration is becoming increasingly important for organizations trying to solve complex community problems.

Matt and Terrance also explore innovation, technology, and AI, along with the need to create environments where new ideas can actually take hold. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about challenging assumptions, building stronger organizations, and finding better ways to create lasting impact in the community.

In this episode of Running With the Bulls, Matt sits down with Jacqueline “Jackie” Whittenburg, Executive Director of the Dereck Whittenburg Foundation, for a conversation about education, opportunity, relationships, and the experiences that have shaped her commitment to giving back.

Jackie shares stories from her own journey, from growing up in Raleigh and meeting Dereck at NC State, to building a career while following the many stops of college basketball and the people and opportunities that helped shape her along the way. She also shares the mission behind the Dereck Whittenburg Foundation and its work helping college students overcome financial barriers when they’re often just one final push away from earning their degree.

Jackie and Matt discuss mentorship, being intentional with your time, staying open to new opportunities, the value of lifelong learning, and why meaningful relationships remain at the heart of lasting impact.

In this episode of Running with the Bulls, Matt Elliott sits down with Kathy Johnson, CEO of Oak City Cares, to talk about what it really takes to support people experiencing homelessness in Wake County. Kathy shares how Oak City Cares has grown from a small team into a community hub that now connects thousands of people each year with housing resources, healthcare, meals, case management, and dozens of partner organizations. The conversation explores why collaboration matters, how thoughtful systems can remove barriers for people in crisis, and what makes Wake County's approach stand out.

Kathy also shares her own journey into nonprofit leadership, from working in domestic violence and foster care to leading one of the region's most innovative organizations. Along the way, she talks about the role of trust, trauma-informed care, data-driven decision making, and why real change happens when organizations work together instead of in silos.

Whether you're passionate about community impact, nonprofit leadership, or simply want a better understanding of the challenges facing our neighbors, this is a conversation that's well worth your time.

In this episode of Running with the Bulls, Matt Elliott sits down with Erin Day, Executive Director of Community Impact North Carolina, to discuss the organization's work helping communities prevent substance misuse through education, collaboration, and evidence-based prevention strategies. Aaron also shares the personal experiences that inspired his career and how those experiences continue to shape his passion for supporting families across North Carolina.

Matt and Erin explore the importance of community coalitions, the evolving challenges surrounding fentanyl and other substances, and why prevention starts long before addiction. They also discuss reducing the stigma around substance use disorders, equipping parents with age-appropriate conversations, and building stronger communities through education, partnerships, and proactive support.

Whether you're a parent, educator, healthcare professional, or community leader, this episode offers practical perspectives on prevention, compassion, and the role each of us can play in creating healthier, more resilient communities.

In this episode of Running with the Bulls, Matt Elliott sits down with Kerry Brock, Chief Operating Officer of El Futuro, to discuss the organization's mission of expanding access to culturally responsive mental health care across North Carolina. Kerry shares her journey from nonprofit consulting to community-based leadership and explains why she was drawn to an organization focused on serving Latino families through a more holistic approach to mental wellness.

Throughout the conversation, Matt and Kerry explore the barriers many families face when seeking mental health care, the importance of meeting people where they are, and how El Futuro is building programs that extend beyond traditional clinical services. Kerry also shares the story of a young woman whose experience with El Futuro's leadership program gave her the confidence to speak openly about her own mental health and encourage others to do the same.

Whether you work in healthcare, the nonprofit sector, or simply care about building stronger, healthier communities, this episode offers an insightful look at how innovative, community-centered approaches can expand access to care and create lasting impact for individuals and families.

In this episode of Running with the Bulls, Matt Elliott sits down with Caitlin Clinard, President of Angel Oak Creative, to explore the power of storytelling, branding, and strategic marketing in the nonprofit sector. Caitlin shares her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind launching Angel Oak Creative, and how her team helps mission-driven organizations connect more effectively with donors, volunteers, and the communities they serve.

The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of nonprofit marketing, the importance of authentic storytelling, building strong brands that inspire action, and the role creativity plays in driving meaningful impact. Caitlin also discusses trends she's seeing across the nonprofit sector, common communication challenges organizations face, and practical advice for leaders looking to strengthen their outreach and engagement efforts.

Whether you're a nonprofit executive, marketer, fundraiser, or business leader, this episode offers valuable insights on how clear messaging and compelling stories can help organizations grow their influence and advance their mission.

In this episode of Running with the Bulls, Matt Elliott sits down with Leigh Ann Miller, Vice President of Philanthropy at NeighborUp, to discuss the realities of financial hardship in Western Wake County, the power of community-driven solutions, and the role nonprofits play in creating both immediate relief and long-term opportunity.

Leigh Ann shares the story behind the merger of Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministries, the organization's rebrand to Neighbor Up, and how their mission of providing "help for today and hope for tomorrow" is impacting thousands of local families.

The conversation explores modern philanthropy, fundraising challenges, nonprofit innovation, rising costs of living, and why many struggling families don't fit the stereotypes people often associate with poverty. Leigh Ann also offers powerful insights on community engagement, servant leadership, and what it truly means to be a good neighbor. 

This episode is a reminder that meaningful impact often starts with a single step, and a great conversation for anyone looking to make a difference in their organization or local community!

In this week’s episode Laura Martin, Chief Outreach Officer at Step Up Ministries joins Matt Elliott on Running with the Bulls. A seasoned professional in the Nonprofit sector here in the Triangle, Laura brings 20 years of service to the Raleigh community. Laura proudly serves on the board of directors for The Encouraging Place, Cary Community Foundation, as well as past experience as an Executive Director and Volunteer Coordinator at Dress for Success Triangle and Oak City Cares. 

During this conversation, Laura and Matt dive into the impact and community betterment focus that embodies Step Up Ministries mission, and what initially drew Laura to the nonprofit space. Step Up Ministries is a community focused nonprofit that gives individuals the tools to gain independence through job security and life skills training, with nearly 10,000 participants across all programs and 307 volunteers. 

The discussion also centers around the importance of collaboration, the misconceptions around poverty and homelessness in society, and the steps that need to be taken to address it. In addition, common myths about nonprofit business processes are refuted by the vast majority of leaders and community representatives who prioritize a focus on partnerships and impact strengthening.

Tune in to this episode for some wonderful stories of hope and life changing opportunities, as well as thought provoking commentary on what makes a successful nonprofit thrive in an industry where the stakes are so high. Laura’s own experiences that led her to being in such an impactful position at Step Up Ministries are great anecdotes for anyone looking to improve their focus on community and civic enhancement!

This week on Running with the Bulls, Danny Rosin joins Matt Elliott on the show to talk about the importance of community and cooperation in relationships at the heart of the nonprofit sector. Danny has years of experience in the nonprofit sector, serves on multiple boards and spearheads Band Together, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that raises money for the community through the power of live music.

During their discussion, Danny and Matt touch on a variety of topics relating to nonprofit engagement, succession planning, the importance of collaboration, legacy, and fostering growth through meaningful connections and choosing the right people for the job.

Danny's experience in the brand and merchandising space with his company Brand Fuel, a Certified B Corporation, enhances the way he is able to see the nonprofit sector and the areas in which leaders can maximize their strengths, while simultaneously reinforcing their core mission and identity to foster positive change in the community.

Listen in to hear more about Danny's journey from high school detention to working as a scrub nurse in the Philippines at 15 years old, and how those formative experiences in his youth shaped what would ultimately become a thriving nonprofit providing live music for social change, raising nearly $16 million to date.

A great episode for anyone working in or adjacent to the nonprofit sector, this is an episode packed with stories, laughs and anecdotes that you won't want to miss!

Brandi Gerew of Pinnacle Financial Partners joins Matt Elliot on Running With the Bulls to talk about what it means to make banking a true relationship for nonprofits. Drawing on her background as a former nonprofit executive director and her current work supporting organizations across the Triangle, Brandi shares how financial partners can help nonprofits strengthen their operations, navigate uncertainty, and keep more resources moving toward their missions.

Brandi and Matt discuss nonprofit funding challenges, the importance of strategic planning, vendor relationships, donor engagement, and why collaboration matters across the sector. Brandi also shares her perspective on building meaningful professional relationships, growing a strong network, and showing up consistently for the organizations and people you serve.

The conversation also highlights the role of community reinvestment, nonprofit board service, and Brandi’s passion for helping organizations find opportunities, connections, and financial strategies that support long-term impact.

Listen in for an interesting lens around nonprofit funding and financial practice, including key points on what organizations can do to better manage their capital and funding!