In this episode of Cause+Effect, Trent Dunham sits down with James “JP” Poulter, Head of Innovation at Dunham+Company and author of AI at Work (coming August 2026), for a timely conversation on what AI means for ministry leaders right now.

JP breaks down the fast shift from conversational AI to agentic AI, explains why leaders should stop treating AI like just an answer engine, and offers practical ways organizations can use these tools to reduce administrative burden and create more space for mission-focused work. Together, Trent and JP explore “reverse prompting,” the rise of AI use inside organizations (even unknowingly), and why every ministry needs to think seriously about ethics, governance, and stewardship as these tools become more embedded in daily work.

The takeaway is clear: AI is not a conversation leaders can afford to postpone. The goal is not simply greater efficiency, but wiser innovation that helps organizations increase their effectiveness for more impact.

In this episode of The Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by Rick Dunham, Founder and Chairman of Dunham+Company, and Josh Crowther, Vice President of Dunham+Company, to unpack key findings from the latest Donor Confidence Report.

Together, they explore what the research reveals about donor behavior heading into 2026: why more donors say they may give less, how economic fear is shaping generosity, why direct mail still matters more than many organizations realize, how text messaging is emerging as an underused fundraising channel, and why nonprofits need to pay attention to donor education around recent tax-law changes. 

They also discuss the practical implications for nonprofit leaders, including how to reduce friction in online giving, better measure fundraising effectiveness, and communicate in ways that build trust and response in a changing environment. 

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Check out the report here: https://www.dunhamandcompany.com/insights/

In this episode of The Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham sits down with Matt Potter, co-founder of PRAY.COM, for a candid conversation on how mission-driven leaders can build, test, and scale with both conviction and clarity. Matt shares his providential story—from adoption and early exposure to tech, to stepping into a calling that led to PRAY.COM’s launch in 2016—and the leadership mindset that helped them pivot from ideas that sounded right to solutions that actually served people.

Together, they unpack rapid obedience, “fail fast” experimentation, and the importance of building a culture where learning is safe. You’ll hear how PRAY.COM moved from prayer-wall community features to guided prayers and devotionals, why data dashboards and AI tools (like PRAY Studio) matter for ministries today, and what it looks like to shift from founder-driven skill to scalable systems and leaders.

Recorded live at the Dunham+Company Summit, Trent Dunham sits down with Pastor Adam Mesa of Patria Church for a grounded conversation about keeping ministry and mission-driven work personal. Adam shares lessons from a healthy leadership transition, how Patria's content strategy is designed to be a “front door” for people exploring faith, how Psalm 23 reframes leadership as shepherding, and how God always cares about the one, the individual.

The heartbeat of the episode is simple: don’t get so busy that you miss chances to reach the one right in front of you, because the Shepherd never does.

What makes a team want to show up—and what causes even mission-driven organizations to quietly drift into burnout, confusion, or disengagement?

Trent Dunham sits down with Jenni Catron, Founder & CEO of The 4Sight Group and author of Culture Matters, for a practical conversation about building environments where people thrive. Jenni shares why culture can’t be left to chance, how “environment” shapes engagement (often more than we realize), and why clarity is one of the strongest indicators of a healthy culture.

If you want to learn how to build a healthy culture within your organization or team, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

In this episode, host Trent Dunham, President and CEO of Dunham+Company, is joined by Josh Crowther, VP at Dunham+Company, to discuss how ministries and organizations can start 2026 strong. Together, they explore key strategies for effective communication, donor engagement, and vision casting to set the tone for a successful year.  

From debunking the myth of "donor fatigue" to practical tips on leveraging the new year for deeper connections with supporters, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead your organization with clarity and purpose.  

Tune in to learn how to engage your audience, cast a compelling vision, and position your ministry for impact in 2026!

In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, host Trent Dunham is joined by Rick Dunham, founder and chairman of Dunham+Company, to discuss how leaders can navigate turbulent times in fundraising. With 2025 coming to a close and 2026 on the horizon, they explore practical strategies for staying grounded, retaining donors, and maintaining a donor-centric approach during challenging seasons.  

From emphasizing the importance of retention to making strategic budget decisions, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help organizations weather financial uncertainty while staying true to their mission.  

Tune in for a timely discussion on leading with clarity, focusing on the fundamentals, and positioning your organization for long-term success!

In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, host Trent Dunham sits down with Dan Sumpter, Chief Product Officer and creative leader at Dunham+Company, to explore the fascinating world of creativity with a purpose.

Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities of leading creative teams, dispelling myths about creativity, and offering practical insights for those who work with or manage creatives. From understanding the emotional and logical balance in creative work to eliminating waste in the creative process, this episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to harness creativity to solve problems and drive impact.
 
Tune in to learn how to align creativity with purpose and create work that truly resonates!

In this reflective episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, host Trent Dunham, President and CEO of Dunham+Company, takes a deep dive into one of the most critical traits of effective leadership: humility. Drawing from decades of experience and personal growth, Trent explores how humility shapes strong leadership, fosters wisdom, and empowers teams to thrive.
 
Whether you're leading an organization, a team, or simply influencing those around you, this episode offers practical insights on embracing humility, making hard decisions, and pursuing wisdom in your leadership journey. Tune in for actionable takeaways and a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with integrity and purpose.
 
Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect on your own leadership and discover how humility can transform your impact!

In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, host Trent Dunham is joined by Matt Ferguson and Peter McGowan, two creative leaders with a passion for storytelling, marketing, and architecture. Together, they explore the power of storytelling in shaping organizations, creating meaningful spaces, and connecting with audiences in impactful ways.

From their work with Disney and Universal Studios to their innovative projects with churches and nonprofits, Matt and Peter share how intentional storytelling can transform not only physical spaces but also the way organizations engage with their communities.

Tune in to discover how to align your story with your mission, design spaces that inspire, and create experiences that leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re leading a church, nonprofit, or business, this episode is packed with insights to help you think differently about the story you’re telling.