The Ripple Effect Project

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Some stories remind us that even when a life is far too short, its impact can last forever.

In this episode of The Ripple Effect Project, we sit down with Lynette Apodaca, President and Founder of the Marc Jr. Foundation, to talk about her son Marc Jr., her family's journey with childhood brain cancer, and how unimaginable loss became a mission to help other families.

In April 2007, Marc Jr. was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an aggressive form of childhood brain cancer. After a courageous battle, Marc passed away in February 2008. His family was left with heartbreak and the realization that families facing this devastating diagnosis often have very little information, financial assistance, or emotional support.

Rather than allowing Marc's story to end with their loss, Lynette helped create a foundation dedicated to making sure other families don't have to face this journey alone.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Marc Jr.'s life, personality, and the legacy he left behind.
• The challenges families face after a childhood cancer diagnosis.
• The importance of nonprofit organizations providing financial, educational, and emotional support.
• Parent advocacy and connecting families with resources.
• Childhood cancer awareness, DIPG research, and the need for better treatment options.
• Improving access to pediatric clinical trials through telehealth.
• How community leadership, compassion, and collaboration can create meaningful change.

A conversation about nonprofit leadership, community impact, advocacy, resilience, and the power of turning personal experiences into purpose.

Lynette's story reminds us that community change doesn't always begin with a big organization or a major movement. Sometimes it begins with one person who sees a need and decides to do something about it.

LEARN MORE AND SUPPORT THE MISSION

Visit the Marc Jr. Foundation to learn more about its programs, support families affected by DIPG, and help advance awareness and research.

Website: https://marcjr.org/

Support the show

The Ripple Effect Project is proudly sponsored by Miingl and Team Trust Productions.

Theme Music produced by @UnLearn The World with @hiphop4change

hiphopforchange.org

Miingl is a platform built around creating connections, discovering opportunities, and bringing people and communities together. Learn more and start making your connections at https://miingl.com?ref=ntawyja

Team Trust Productions helps nonprofits turn the work they are doing into stories that donors and communities can connect with. Learn more about how they can help tell your nonprofit’s story at www.teamtrustproductions.com/ripple

If you believe in the power of these conversations and want to help us keep The Ripple Effect Project going, you can support the podcast here: https://fas.st/t/WK9eoG3q or through Venmo at @createtheripple.

One person can create a ripple. That ripple can change a family, a neighborhood, and eventually a community.

Send us Fan Mail

What if healing doesn't always happen in a traditional setting? What if sometimes it starts with a rescued animal, a quiet barn, a little patience, and a place where you finally feel like you belong?

In this episode of The Ripple Effect Project, we sit down with Lindsay Stone and Nick Scharlow, Co-Founders of Life Align Recovery Ranch, for an honest conversation about recovery, trauma, compassion, and the power of human connection.

Lindsay and Nick share how their personal journeys through recovery, difficult life experiences, and adversity inspired them to create a welcoming environment where people and animals can find healing together.

We also explore Nick's work with Life Align Inc., supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges, and how both organizations are working to create opportunities for people to rediscover their purpose and sense of belonging.

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation is a question worth thinking about: Why do we often find it easier to show compassion to an animal that has experienced trauma than to a person struggling with addiction, homelessness, or difficult circumstances?

We discuss:

• How personal struggles can become a purpose to help others.
• The connection between rescued animals and people who have experienced trauma.
• Why healing looks different for everyone.
• The importance of compassion, dignity, and second chances.
• How communities can create more opportunities for people to feel seen, valued, and connected.

A message worth remembering: People are not their worst decisions, their addiction, their trauma, or their circumstances. Everyone deserves the opportunity to find connection, purpose, and healing.

Join us for a conversation that challenges how we see others and reminds us that sometimes the smallest act of compassion can make the biggest difference.

Connect with Lindsay, Nick, and Life Align Recovery Ranch:

Website: https://www.lifealignrecoveryranch.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifealignrecoveryranch/posts/?feedView=all

Life Align Inc.: https://www.lifealigninc.org/

Follow The Ripple Effect Project

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for more conversations with people making a difference in their communities.

Thank you to our sponsors, Miingl and Team Trust Productions, for helping make these conversations possible.

Your story matters. Your connection matters. Your ripple matters.

Support the show

The Ripple Effect Project is proudly sponsored by Miingl and Team Trust Productions.

Theme Music produced by @UnLearn The World with @hiphop4change

hiphopforchange.org

Miingl is a platform built around creating connections, discovering opportunities, and bringing people and communities together. Learn more and start making your connections at https://miingl.com?ref=ntawyja

Team Trust Productions helps nonprofits turn the work they are doing into stories that donors and communities can connect with. Learn more about how they can help tell your nonprofit’s story at www.teamtrustproductions.com/ripple

If you believe in the power of these conversations and want to help us keep The Ripple Effect Project going, you can support the podcast here: https://fas.st/t/WK9eoG3q or through Venmo at @createtheripple.

One person can create a ripple. That ripple can change a family, a neighborhood, and eventually a community.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when we focus so much on helping one person that we overlook the people around them?

In this episode of The Ripple Effect Project, we sit down with Maria Tejada, founder and president of Siblings Helping Siblings Foundation, Inc., to talk about her journey as a mother, the impact of her daughter’s autism diagnosis on her family, and how her oldest daughter helped her recognize the importance of supporting siblings, too.

Maria turned her personal experiences into action by starting Siblings Helping Siblings in 2024. Today, the nonprofit supports siblings of individuals with disabilities through peer connections, educational opportunities, resources, and meaningful experiences. The organization also creates inclusive, sensory-friendly events where children of all abilities and their families can connect, play, and make lasting memories.

We discuss the importance of supporting the whole family, creating welcoming communities without judgment, and recognizing that we may not always understand what others are going through.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why siblings of children with disabilities need support and understanding.
• How personal experiences can inspire meaningful community change.
• What it means to create inclusive, sensory-friendly experiences for families.
• How each of us can become more understanding, compassionate, and welcoming.

Learn more about Siblings Helping Siblings Foundation, Inc.

Website: https://www.siblingshelpingsiblings.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590835844739

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siblingshelpingsiblings/

Visit their website to learn more about their programs and how you can support their mission.

If this conversation resonates with you, please like and follow The Ripple Effect Project on social media, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and consider donating to support the work of Siblings Helping Siblings Foundation.

Every connection starts with understanding. Every small act of inclusion can make a difference.

Your story matters. Your connection matters. Your ripple matters.

Support the show

The Ripple Effect Project is proudly sponsored by Miingl and Team Trust Productions.

Theme Music produced by @UnLearn The World with @hiphop4change

hiphopforchange.org

Miingl is a platform built around creating connections, discovering opportunities, and bringing people and communities together. Learn more and start making your connections at https://miingl.com?ref=ntawyja

Team Trust Productions helps nonprofits turn the work they are doing into stories that donors and communities can connect with. Learn more about how they can help tell your nonprofit’s story at www.teamtrustproductions.com/ripple

If you believe in the power of these conversations and want to help us keep The Ripple Effect Project going, you can support the podcast here: https://fas.st/t/WK9eoG3q or through Venmo at @createtheripple.

One person can create a ripple. That ripple can change a family, a neighborhood, and eventually a community.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when one unexpected expense or emergency pushes a family into crisis? Sometimes, one safe place to stay and one person willing to help can change everything.

In this episode of The Ripple Effect Project, Tim Roper and John Patch talk with Tityana Clements, founder and executive director of TNT Empowerment Network in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Tityana shares the story behind her organization and her passion for helping individuals and families navigate difficult circumstances and find a path toward stability.

We explore the challenges of building a grassroots nonprofit, the importance of community partnerships, and TNT Empowerment Network’s Safe Nights Initiative, which provides short-term emergency hotel stays for individuals and families experiencing crisis.

This conversation is a reminder that making a difference doesn't always mean solving every problem. Sometimes, it starts with helping someone get through tonight so they can have hope for tomorrow.

Connect with Tityana Clements and TNT Empowerment Network

Website: https://tntempowermentnetwork.com/

Email: [email protected]

At The Ripple Effect Project, we believe one conversation can create a connection, one connection can create an opportunity, and one opportunity can change a life.

Your story matters. Your connection matters. Your ripple matters.

Let's keep the ripple going!

Support the show

The Ripple Effect Project is proudly sponsored by Miingl and Team Trust Productions.

Theme Music produced by @UnLearn The World with @hiphop4change

hiphopforchange.org

Miingl is a platform built around creating connections, discovering opportunities, and bringing people and communities together. Learn more and start making your connections at https://miingl.com?ref=ntawyja

Team Trust Productions helps nonprofits turn the work they are doing into stories that donors and communities can connect with. Learn more about how they can help tell your nonprofit’s story at www.teamtrustproductions.com/ripple

If you believe in the power of these conversations and want to help us keep The Ripple Effect Project going, you can support the podcast here: https://fas.st/t/WK9eoG3q or through Venmo at @createtheripple.

One person can create a ripple. That ripple can change a family, a neighborhood, and eventually a community.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when one person decides that helping people isn’t just a job, but a calling?

In this episode of The Ripple Effect Project, Tim and John sit down with Cleophus Lee of New Life Development Group to talk about community, opportunity, and what it really takes to help people move forward.

This conversation goes beyond the usual nonprofit conversation. We talk about the people behind the programs, the challenges communities are facing, and how one connection can create a ripple that reaches far beyond what we can see.

You may come away with a new perspective on what it means to serve, invest in people, and be part of something bigger than yourself.

But the conversation doesn’t have to end when the episode does.

There are organizations, leaders, and community members doing the work every day. They need people willing to listen, connect, volunteer, give, and share their stories.

If Cleophus’s story or the work of New Life Development Group connects with you, consider learning more, reaching out, or finding a way to support the work.

Want to connect with Cleophus?
📧 [email protected]

And remember, supporting the ripple doesn’t always mean writing a check. Sometimes it means making an introduction, volunteering your time, sharing a story, or simply asking, “How can I help?”

Your story matters. Your connection matters. Your ripple matters.

Help us keep the ripple going.

Support the show

The Ripple Effect Project is proudly sponsored by Miingl and Team Trust Productions.

Theme Music produced by @UnLearn The World with @hiphop4change

hiphopforchange.org

Miingl is a platform built around creating connections, discovering opportunities, and bringing people and communities together. Learn more and start making your connections at https://miingl.com?ref=ntawyja

Team Trust Productions helps nonprofits turn the work they are doing into stories that donors and communities can connect with. Learn more about how they can help tell your nonprofit’s story at www.teamtrustproductions.com/ripple

If you believe in the power of these conversations and want to help us keep The Ripple Effect Project going, you can support the podcast here: https://fas.st/t/WK9eoG3q or through Venmo at @createtheripple.

One person can create a ripple. That ripple can change a family, a neighborhood, and eventually a community.

Send us Fan Mail

The Ripple Effect with Marlon Richardson aka Unlearn the World | Hip Hop For Change

What happens when Hip Hop, education, culture and community come together to create change?

This week on The Ripple Effect, Tim Roper and John Patch sit down with Marlon Richardson, aka Unlearn the World, Executive Director of Hip Hop For Change.

Marlon is an artist, educator and community leader who uses Hip Hop as a vehicle for education, personal growth, creativity and social change. Through Hip Hop For Change, he and his team provide culturally responsive, Hip Hop based arts education and enrichment programming for K-12 students throughout the Bay Area.

We talk about Marlon’s journey as an artist and educator, the story behind Hip Hop For Change, the power of culturally responsive education, and what happens when young people are given the opportunity to see their culture, identity and creativity as strengths.

We also talk leadership, community, education, creativity and, of course, have some fun along the way.

Because change doesn't always start with something huge. Sometimes it starts with one conversation, one connection, or one person deciding to do something differently.

Every action creates a ripple.

Learn more about Hip Hop For Change:
https://hiphopforchange.org

Contact Marlon:
[email protected]

Support the show

The Ripple Effect Project is proudly sponsored by Miingl and Team Trust Productions.

Theme Music produced by @UnLearn The World with @hiphop4change

hiphopforchange.org

Miingl is a platform built around creating connections, discovering opportunities, and bringing people and communities together. Learn more and start making your connections at https://miingl.com?ref=ntawyja

Team Trust Productions helps nonprofits turn the work they are doing into stories that donors and communities can connect with. Learn more about how they can help tell your nonprofit’s story at www.teamtrustproductions.com/ripple

If you believe in the power of these conversations and want to help us keep The Ripple Effect Project going, you can support the podcast here: https://fas.st/t/WK9eoG3q or through Venmo at @createtheripple.

One person can create a ripple. That ripple can change a family, a neighborhood, and eventually a community.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Ripple Effect Project, Tim Roper and cohost John Patch sit down with Liz Brewer, CEO of Angel Foundation FL.

Liz shares the deeply personal story of losing her father to cancer 20 years ago and how that experience inspired her to create a mission focused on helping families facing cancer and other catastrophic events.

Through the Angel Program, families are connected with businesses, individuals, and community resources that can help meet practical needs and provide financial support during times of crisis.

Liz talks about the families who have been impacted, the businesses and individuals who have stepped up as Angels, the role of faith in her work, and her vision to see an Angel Program in every community.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that we don't have to do something huge to make a difference. Sometimes it starts with simply seeing someone who needs help and asking, "What can I do?"

Learn more about Angel Foundation FL:
Angel Foundation FL

Watch Angel Foundation FL on YouTube:
Angel Foundation FL YouTube

Listen to Liz's story and discover how one person's experience can create a ripple that changes the lives of others.

Support the show

The Ripple Effect Project is proudly sponsored by Miingl and Team Trust Productions.

Theme Music produced by @UnLearn The World with @hiphop4change

hiphopforchange.org

Miingl is a platform built around creating connections, discovering opportunities, and bringing people and communities together. Learn more and start making your connections at https://miingl.com?ref=ntawyja

Team Trust Productions helps nonprofits turn the work they are doing into stories that donors and communities can connect with. Learn more about how they can help tell your nonprofit’s story at www.teamtrustproductions.com/ripple

If you believe in the power of these conversations and want to help us keep The Ripple Effect Project going, you can support the podcast here: https://fas.st/t/WK9eoG3q or through Venmo at @createtheripple.

One person can create a ripple. That ripple can change a family, a neighborhood, and eventually a community.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Ripple Effect Project, Tracy Carlisle, Founder and CEO of Gotcha-Back Inc., shares his powerful journey from 12 years of incarceration to becoming a leader focused on reentry, opportunity, youth violence prevention, and community transformation.

Tracy shares what he learned about rebuilding a life, the challenges returning citizens face, and why second chances must include both accountability and opportunity. We also explore how mentorship, employment, relationships, and community support can create pathways toward lasting change.

Support the show

The Ripple Effect Project is proudly sponsored by Miingl and Team Trust Productions.

Theme Music produced by @UnLearn The World with @hiphop4change

hiphopforchange.org

Miingl is a platform built around creating connections, discovering opportunities, and bringing people and communities together. Learn more and start making your connections at https://miingl.com?ref=ntawyja

Team Trust Productions helps nonprofits turn the work they are doing into stories that donors and communities can connect with. Learn more about how they can help tell your nonprofit’s story at www.teamtrustproductions.com/ripple

If you believe in the power of these conversations and want to help us keep The Ripple Effect Project going, you can support the podcast here: https://fas.st/t/WK9eoG3q or through Venmo at @createtheripple.

One person can create a ripple. That ripple can change a family, a neighborhood, and eventually a community.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when we combine relationships, data, strategy, and AI to rethink the way philanthropy works?

In this special episode of The Ripple Effect Project, Tim Roper sits down with Anthony Jarrard, founder of 501c3Me Non-Profit Solutions, to explore the changing world of philanthropy and what Anthony calls “philanthropy intelligence.”

Anthony brings a unique perspective to the conversation. With experience in nonprofit strategy, fundraising, membership growth, and organizational development, he understands the challenges nonprofits face when trying to communicate their value and demonstrate impact. He also brings the perspective of the funder, asking how donors and philanthropic organizations can make more informed decisions about where their resources can create the greatest impact.

Tim and Anthony talk about the art of the approach, the importance of relationships between nonprofits and funders, what nonprofits often misunderstand about philanthropy, and why data and measurable outcomes are becoming increasingly important.

They also explore Anthony’s work developing an AI driven platform designed to help funders evaluate nonprofit opportunities and better align resources with measurable outcomes.

Can technology make philanthropy smarter without making it less human? Can better information actually lead to stronger relationships and greater community impact?

Those are just some of the questions explored in this conversation.

This is a special episode recorded to accommodate Anthony’s schedule, so John Patch is sitting this one out. Tim also takes a moment to recognize John and Miingl for their continued support of The Ripple Effect Project.

Miingl is the gracious sponsor of The Ripple Effect Project and the platform used to host these live conversations. If you’d like to learn more about Miingl or join us for a future live conversation, check out the link in the description.

Want to continue the conversation with Anthony? You can also join his Facebook community, 501c3Me, and connect with others who are interested in nonprofits, philanthropy, fundraising, strategy, and creating greater impact.

At The Ripple Effect Project, we believe that listening creates connection, connection creates possibility, and possibility creates action.

One conversation can create a ripple.

What will yours be?

#TheRippleEffectProject #AnthonyJarrard #501c3Me #Philanthropy #Nonprofits #Fundraising #AI #CommunityImpact #Miingl

Support the show

The Ripple Effect Project is proudly sponsored by Miingl and Team Trust Productions.

Theme Music produced by @UnLearn The World with @hiphop4change

hiphopforchange.org

Miingl is a platform built around creating connections, discovering opportunities, and bringing people and communities together. Learn more and start making your connections at https://miingl.com?ref=ntawyja

Team Trust Productions helps nonprofits turn the work they are doing into stories that donors and communities can connect with. Learn more about how they can help tell your nonprofit’s story at www.teamtrustproductions.com/ripple

If you believe in the power of these conversations and want to help us keep The Ripple Effect Project going, you can support the podcast here: https://fas.st/t/WK9eoG3q or through Venmo at @createtheripple.

One person can create a ripple. That ripple can change a family, a neighborhood, and eventually a community.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Ripple Effect Project, cohosts John Patch and Tim Roper sit down with Pastor Jason Wells, founder of Mechanics of Faith, for a conversation about faith, service, second chances, and using your skills to make a difference.

Jason shares the story behind Mechanics of Faith and how a passion for working on vehicles has become a way to serve people in need. Through vehicle repairs, community service, support for veterans, and opportunities to help people rebuild their lives, Mechanics of Faith is creating meaningful connections and showing what can happen when we use what we know to help someone else.

We talk about faith in action, the importance of serving others, and how giving someone a second chance can change the direction of their life. Jason also shares how Mechanics of Faith provides opportunities for people in recovery to learn automotive skills and build a path toward a better future.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that we all have something we can give. Sometimes it is money. Sometimes it is time. Sometimes it is simply a skill we already have.

Join John and Tim as they talk with Jason Wells about faith, service, community, and the ripple effect that happens when we choose to help others.

Learn more about Mechanics of Faith: Mechanics of Faith https://www.mechanicsoffaith.org/

The Ripple Effect Project is proudly sponsored by Miingl.

Miingl helps people and organizations make meaningful connections, discover resources, and find the support they need.

Learn more about Miingl: Miingl https://fas.st/t/coN8Y6jQ

One conversation can create a ripple. Let's create the next one.

Support the show

The Ripple Effect Project is proudly sponsored by Miingl and Team Trust Productions.

Theme Music produced by @UnLearn The World with @hiphop4change

hiphopforchange.org

Miingl is a platform built around creating connections, discovering opportunities, and bringing people and communities together. Learn more and start making your connections at https://miingl.com?ref=ntawyja

Team Trust Productions helps nonprofits turn the work they are doing into stories that donors and communities can connect with. Learn more about how they can help tell your nonprofit’s story at www.teamtrustproductions.com/ripple

If you believe in the power of these conversations and want to help us keep The Ripple Effect Project going, you can support the podcast here: https://fas.st/t/WK9eoG3q or through Venmo at @createtheripple.

One person can create a ripple. That ripple can change a family, a neighborhood, and eventually a community.