We’ve spent the last three years at the Giving Back Podcast highlighting hometown heroes serving every need imaginable. Our guests for the final episode are true servant leaders in every sense, dedicated to building their community and lending a hand up to those in need. Thank you for tuning in, getting inspired, and taking action. The Giving Back Podcast has been a wonderful journey, a real blessing in my life. I look forward to the next chapter of bringing you stories about good people all around us doing amazing things to help others in need and making our world a better place.
Key Takeaways:
Maggie Kane is the Founder and Executive Director of A Place at the Table, the first pay-what-you-can cafe in downtown Raleigh. Through her work with people on the streets, she realized the power of community, the importance of dignity, and the beauty in bringing people together over incredible food. A Place at the Table was birthed in February 2015 and in January 2018 opened, providing people with money and people without money a place where they can sit together, share in good conversation, and grow their village together. Where good food meets community, all are welcome at the table.
Danny Rosin is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Brand Fuel a free-spirited, full-service merchandising agency that sits at the top 1% of the $23 billion promotional products industry. A tireless connector, community leader and entrepreneur, he is the active Co-Founder of Band Together, a volunteer-driven nonprofit that uses live music as a platform for social change. Band Together is the Southeast’s largest annual charitable music event and has donated over $9 million to a different cause each year since the twin towers came down on 9/11.
Rob, Maggie, and Danny recall their recent memories of getting together at Raleigh, NC.
How did A Place At The Table build a strong community?
Danny shares a beautiful story of a person who was immediately inspired by the activity of A Place At The Table and become a volunteer and start donating.
What is the magic works behind A Place At The Table build?
How did Band Together get started?
Why did Danny start Band Together?
What led Danny from Band Together to join Maggie from A Place At The Table?
According to Maggie, 99% of people want to help if they are invited and asked for help.
Maggie Kane shares how she wants to see the changes in A Place At The Table in the coming years.
Danny Rosin shares how he wants to see the changes in Band Together in the coming years.
Danny shares his vision to spread the impact of Band together in multiple cities and both Rob and Maggie appreciate him.
Just like brand ambassadors for brands, Rob wants to see community ambassadors for communities.
Danny thinks most people don’t care about the cause rather they care they are working together. Because working together is fun.
Rob talks about reframing of Giving Back Podcast.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode:
Rose Morris is the Founder of Abram’s Nation, a manufacturer of products that are designed specifically for the special needs community. Rose is also the Co-Founder of Fund It Forward, a nonprofit that helps families obtain special needs equipment that is not covered by insurance. Rose’s son, Abram, is an active and curious special needs child who would always find a way to get out of his crib. Because of this, Rose had many sleepless nights worrying that Abram would get hurt trying to escape until she created and developed the Safety Sleeper, a product that would help protect him.
Key Takeaways:
[2:20] Who is Rose, and why did she start Abram’s Nation?
[3:35] Rose shares why her son, Abram, was struggling with sleep.
[10:30] A whole weight came off of Rose’s shoulders when she and her friends were able to develop something that would keep curious Abram safe in bed.
[13:45] Rose is grateful she had neighbors and a community that was familiar with autism and could provide support and resources for her family.
[15:35] How did people find out about The Safety Sleeper?
[19:30] Rose hires special needs adults to help her with her business.
[23:25] Rose shares why, and how, she started Fund It Forward.
[27:25] Fund It Forward needs a new Executive Director!
[30:00] Rose shares the process of how Abram’s Nation went international.
[33:00] Rose doesn’t just work with autism. There’s a huge community of people in need and she’s open to learning about it.
[35:55] What kind of feedback has Rose received so far?
[39:10] What advice does Rose have for other social entrepreneurs?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Jaya Manjunath is the Founder of Seniors With Skills, a non-profit organization that aims to improve the overall quality of life for seniors through social engagement. The organization originally started in Toronto, but has since moved to many different states in the US. On this week’s episode, Jaya shares how her organization helps seniors get out of isolation and find a new purpose as they reach a new stage in their life.
Key Takeaways:
[3:25] Who is Jaya, and what is Seniors With Skills all about?
[9:15] Why is it important for seniors to get active and volunteer?
[12:30] Why is this cause so important for Jaya?
[15:15] When Jaya started working with seniors, what was the initial reaction to that?
[21:20] Jaya explains how she and her team are growing her nonprofit and bringing it to other cities in the U.S..
[23:30] What types of activities can the seniors do?
[26:15] Seniors from all over want to volunteer because of the fun activities Seniors With Skills has for them.
[28:00] Jaya shares a story about Barbara and the awesome work she’s doing.
[32:00] If you want to start a volunteer project, just do it! Jaya started doing this work for years before it made sense to create a nonprofit.
[35:35] Jaya talks about some of the seniors she’s worked with and how volunteer work has made a difference in their lives.
[43:00] Becoming a Seniors With Skills volunteer is life-changing!
[46:00] What’s next for Jaya?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Michelle Pagtakhan is the Founder & Executive Director of You Run This Town Foundation (YRTTF). YRTTF provides enrichment programs to underserved youth, work-study internships, scholarships, and community partner engagement programs. Michelle is committed to developing the next generation of leaders,and actually first began her work five years prior to formally starting her organization in 2016. Find out more about Michelle and the fantastic work she’s doing in the greater Los Angeles area.
Key Takeaways:
[3:15] Who is Michelle and what is YRTTF about?
[7:50] Right after Michelle had her first child, she knew she wanted to do more for her community.
[9:10] What is YRTTF’s mission?
[13:35] Michelle explains the types of workshops and programs the kids can attend.
[16:45] How did Michelle first come up with the YRTTF name?
[21:15] Michelle has worked with a number of different non-profits and even been an advocate against human trafficking. How did she first get started in all of this?
[25:20] How does the Foundation raise funds?
[29:10] What’s the difference between the Community Engagement program and the Flower Empower program?
[36:25] How many schools is the Flower Empower program in?
[39:00] What kind of feedback has Michelle received so far?
[45:35] Successful people hang out with successful people.
[47:45] What’s next for the Foundation?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Monisha Bajaj is the Founder of Ruam Chuay, a non-profit organization based in Thailand. Monisha and her team host workshops at local schools to discuss interpersonal violence, sexual consent, and so much more! On today’s episode, Monisha shares how Ruam Chuay first got started, how their workshops create a dialogue among students, and the differences between U.S. and Thai culture.
Key Takeaways:
[4:00] Who is Monisha and how did Ruam Chuay first get started?
[8:55] Monisha compares the differences between the U.S. and Thailand when it comes to the conversation around sexual violence.
[10:25] How does Monisha define interpersonal violence?
[12:00] Monisha shares the types of workshops she hosts for the community.
[16:40] It took time for Thai culture to understand the importance of having these open talks about sexual harassment and interpersonal violence.
[19:00] What kind of feedback has Monisha received from male students vs. female students?
[24:20] Monisha wished she had had this type of education when she was in school. Knowing what she knows now, what difference would it have made in her life?
[30:35] What is restorative justice about?
[33:40] How does Monisha measure or track the metrics on her workshops?
[38:15] It’s important to give someone an ‘out’ when you ask them a question that could potentially lead to rejection.
[41:25] What kind of impact has this work had on Monisha?
[43:15] When it comes to sexual expectations, how does the U.S. differ from Thailand?
[49:55] What’s next for Ruam Chuay?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Chip Conley has disrupted the hospitality industry twice. First, at age 26 when he took an inner city motel and turned it into the second-largest boutique hotel brand in America, and second, when he joined Airbnb as a ‘Modern Elder’. Through his work at Airbnb, he noticed the increasing need to include more age diversity in the workforce. Modern Elders often feel less and less relevant, but there’s a lot of unique and untapped value their life experiences can bring to an organization. Find out more about Chip’s work and how he has incorporated social causes throughout his entire career.
Key Takeaways:
[4:20] How did The Phoenix Hotel get started?
[6:25] How did Chip become an ‘accidental intern’ at Airbnb?
[10:45] Chip explains the backstory of how he has always incorporated giving back to local communities with each of his hotels.
[15:20] What is Chip’s latest book, Wisdom at Work, all about?
[23:10] Chip believes it is important to have diversity, not just in gender or race, but in age as well. There’s a lot of value the younger and older generations can get from each other if they just mingled.
[28:55] What’s the Modern Elder Academy all about?
[33:55] Modern Elder Academy gives over $1 million a year in scholarships to students.
[39:35] Chip shares his thoughts about Burning Man.
Mentioned in This Episode:
David Shultz is a member of the Big Slick Organizers Community and is involved in everything from digital marketing to the weekend karaoke events. He is also involved with Promo Cares, an organization focused on helping distributors find suppliers with a purpose-driven mission.
Mandi Rudd is the sister of one of the Big Slick’s hosts, Paul Rudd, and is a key member of the family of volunteers at Big Slick. She is also the Owner of Brand Energy Marketing, a firm that specializes in marketing strategies and promotional products.
As Big Slick hits its tenth year as a charity event, they’ve raised $8.5 million dollars for the Pediatric Cancer Center at the Kansas City Children’s Mercy Hospital. Find out more about this special weekend event (coming to you this June 7th & 8th)!
Key Takeaways:
[4:15] How did Big Slick first get started?
[9:45] How did David get involved with Big Slick?
[13:50] David and Mandi share why they feel so connected with the Kansas City Children’s Mercy Hospital.
[18:20] What does a typical Big Slick schedule look like?
[23:00] 100% of the proceeds go to the hospital.
[31:15] What is the Promotion Products Association International (PPAI) all about and why is Promo Cares different?
[34:45] The marketing/ promotional industry can get a bad rep.
[38:15] As a distributor, Mandi shares what it’s like working with David and his products and being able to offer new services to her clients.
[40:05] Consumers would switch brands to a company that has some sort of giving back component in it.
[43:25] Tickets for Big Slick are on sale now!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Douglas Tsoi is the Founder of School of Financial Freedom and the Founder of Portland Underground Grad School (PUGS). Douglas has a diverse background and achieved financial freedom at the age of 42 after living on $20,000 a year. As a lifelong learner and StartingBloc Fellow, Douglas believes it’s a human right to learn and to do so debt-free! Find out more about his amazing school in Portland!
Key Takeaways:
[4:05] How did Rob and Douglas first meet?
[6:05] As a StartingBloc Fellow, what was Douglas’s experience like with StartingBloc?
[8:55] What is PUGS all about?
[11:35] PUGS has grown to 75 courses and teaches about 900 students a year.
[17:25] How did Douglas manage to retire at age 42? What does financial freedom mean to him?
[19:35] You expend your life energy for money and vice versa.
[27:45] Why did StartingBloc choose Douglas’s project?
[37:25] Douglas shares a bit of his background and how he ended up at StartingBloc.
[44:20] Everyone deserves to learn.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Greg Warner is the CEO and Founder of MarketSmart, a marketing software specifically catered to nonprofits seeking to raise more money for their charity. Greg takes a unique approach to how you can engage your donors in a meaningful and impactful way. After feeling frustrated himself from giving to nonprofits and feeling like just a dollar sign, Greg created this software to help nonprofits really understand the best ways to make a connection.
Key Takeaways:
[2:45] Who is Greg and why did he start MarketSmart?
[4:20] Greg has seen organizations get as much as 300 to 1 ROI. Greg and his team personally aim for 100 to 1 ROI.
[8:20] It’s important to create a collaborative atmosphere so that everyone can prosper.
[15:55] The reason why we’re here is to try and live with purpose and intent.
[18:50] Greg explains his process and how he helps nonprofits.
[24:35] What’s Greg’s book, Engagement Fundraising, all about?
[35:30] You will always need fundraisers/ facilitators to help walk donors through your process.
[42:55] How does a brand new charity work with Greg?
[46:15] Why is donor retention so low?
[52:55] The way you engage your donors sucks! There’s a much better way to do it.
[58:00] Greg himself was a mistreated donor who was fed up about being mistreated, which is why he created his company - to show nonprofits how to do it right!
[1:04:30] For every dollar amount Greg’s staff gives, Greg will match it.
[1:11:25] You have to know what it’s like to personally be a donor at your own charity.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Tanesha Smelser is the Executive Director of The Forrest Initiative, an organization she started when her son, Forrest, was diagnosed with epilepsy. When she first tried CBD for her young child, she was amazed by its impact and became an advocate.
Travis Mckenzie started TJ's Gardens in 2006 because his wife, Cham, was suffering from a very traumatic brain injury. They had exhausted all of their traditional options for healing when their doctor recommended cannabis as a last resort. They were amazed by its healing effects.
Dave Villalobos is the owner of SolRevolt and is one of the first marijuana growers to have an emphasis on helping children. His organization helps bridge the gap between philanthropy and sustainability. Dave has a personal story of watching his father go to prison due to him being in the illegal marijuana trade at the time.
Together, these three individuals are seeking to normalize the cannabis industry and promote the health benefits it has for those with medical illnesses and conditions. Find out more on this week’s episode on how they help children!
Key Takeaways:
[3:15] How did TJ's Gardens first get started?
[10:35] How did SolRevolt get started?
[18:55] Dave shares his thoughts on why he’s reaching out to faith-based leaders.
[23:05] When did The Forrest Initiative get started?
[30:00] What kind of surprising comments did Tanesha get when she started advocating for the use of cannabis for children with medical illnesses?
[33:15] What kind of research is out there about the benefits of cannabis?
[36:25] How do Dave and his team measure the right doses?
[44:15] What types kind of feedback and stories have Tanesha, Travis and Dave gotten so far?
[47:40] What’s next for these three organizations?
[59:45] This plant is not a magic pill that will cure all illnesses, but by combining it with a wellness approach, it has a lot to offer.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Cathy Standiford is a retired City Manager and Local Government Consultant, a volunteer mentor for Write Girl, and a 30-year member of Soroptimist International. As a woman of faith, Cathy believes it is her purpose to serve, mentor, and empower young women. On today’s show, Cathy discusses the two organizations that are close to her heart and how it inspires her every day post-retirement!
Key Takeaways:
[3:40] Who is Cathy and how did she get started in non-profit work?
[5:25] Cathy has been part of Soroptimist for the last 30 years!
[14:55] What kind of work does Soroptimist do?
[21:00] Cathy explains why Soroptimist keeps her inspired.
[26:55] Cathy shares the story of a homeless student living out of her car.
[30:00] So many young people today have been told ‘no’ and that their dreams simply are not possible.
[33:05] Over the years, how has Cathy’s talents and service to the nonprofit sector evolved?
[39:00] How does Cathy effectively manage challenges that come up?
[42:20] Work-life balance is a myth!
[48:25] Cathy is in a period of her post-retirement life where she’s focused on doing significant and meaningful work.
[50:45] Cathy describes what her connection to God and her faith means to her.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance, by Bob Buford
Emily Wazlak is the Founder of Shine Registry, a platform for female founders to ask for startup help, similar to the way you would on a wedding registry! Emily wanted to create something that would support fellow women in their professional careers just as they are supported in their personal lives. Find out more about Shine Registry and how you can help startup founders from all over get a head start in their business.
Key Takeaways:
[3:10] Who is Emily, and what is Shine Registry all about?
[8:35] What are some of the common things people ask for on Shine Registry?
[10:55] You’re so much more likely to get what you ask for...if you ask for it! The problem is a lot of us just don’t ask.
[14:50] What kind of feedback has Emily heard about people trying to ask for help?
[21:40] Why did Emily decide to focus solely on women entrepreneurs and founders?
[27:00] How did Emily get started in non-profit work?
[30:00] Emily shares some memorable ‘asks’ that have happened on the website.
[33:45] Emily also highlights some community initiatives that have been growing.
[43:00] What’s next for Shine Registry?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Boomer Perrault started 1 a Week on an idea to encourage people to do a good and purposeful deed once a week. His organization is very grassroots and only a year old, but he shares his story about how he has grown his following and found sponsors to support his mission. Don’t let rejection stop you from making this world a better place!
Key Takeaways:
[3:20] Who is Boomer and how did 1 a Week get started?
[6:10] A year later, over 3,400 posts related to kindness and doing good once a week have been posted on Instagram!
[8:45] Boomer shares how he and Derek teamed up to create this.
[11:40] 1 a Week is very grassroots. How did Boomer first get the challenge started on social media with no following?
[13:45] The idea is to do at least one conscious and purposeful deed a week.
[16:35] Who are Boomer’s sponsors?
[20:25] How does Boomer deal with rejection, and what does he do when a sponsor says no?
[22:35] Boomer shares his favorite act of kindness thus far!
[29:45] Now that Boomer is in his second year, what’s next for him?
[32:15] Boomer recently started a mental health podcast as well!
[35:35] What kind of feedback has Boomer received so far from his social media pages?
[41:05] Boomer shares some final thoughts and words of wisdom!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Welcome to the 119th and the final episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and connect.
Today we’re talking about our journey with Giving Back Podcast! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
Welcome to the very last Giving Back Insight show :)
So when you hear today’s intro, you get kinda amazed, right? The host of Giving Back Podcast changed?!?
No, the host is still Rob Lowe. We just get a guest host today and she is amazing Ayn.
Ayn is a listener from the day 1 of Giving Back Podcast and she is very well known with Rob’s voice. Now, Today she will take Rob’s interview.
Life transitions are usually life-changing events that cause us to re-examine our present sense of being. Some time changes are hard and we have to declutter or reorganize our life. But at the same time, we have a better future ahead,
Rob thanks Ayn for guest hosting!.
Why Rob is closing the popular insight series?
What are Ayn’s top 3+ favorite interviews in GBP show?
284: When a Christmas Tree Lights up a Community — Alex Gramling with Christmas Tree Santas
Christmas Tree Santas, a non-profit organization that spreads hope and joy by giving Christmas trees to families in need during the holidays. With slightly over 8 years under his belt, Alex has seen the organization grow from just his local community into 18 cities.
Don’t want to choose between the two charities of the day? You can roll over your quarter and donate 50 cents instead to tomorrow’s charity. If you really, really like a particular charity, you can even give more than 25 cents a day.
150: Transitioning out of the Military Is Incredibly Scary — Joe Musselman with the Honor Foundation
Everybody has fear, Everyone is battling. THF is the first-ever career transition institute for the US Navy SEAL & Special Operation Forces (SOF) communities with campuses across the country. Joe and THF have achieved an incredible amount of success in a short period of time since the organization was founded.
250: Finding Purpose Through Generosity — Blake Canterbury with Purposity
Rob shares his favorite ones too..
014: The Family That Made the Ice Bucket Challenge Go Viral – Nancy Frates
The majority of people in this world are GOOD people. Don’t believe what’s on your TV. As a mother or even as a parent, you really don’t know how you’re going to face something until it hits you.
034: Aligning Our Passion With What We Do – Generosity Feeds with Ron Klabunde
Ron Klabunde and Rob are good friends. Ron showed us Life just works so much better when you work in a field that you’re passionate about.
024: Take a Moment and Listen to Someone Else – #DoSomethingForNothing with Josh Coombes
You can make the world as decent as you want it to be. You do have the power to create change. for nothing. In turn, Josh has inspired people all over the world to give back for absolutely nothing.
055: Clean Clothes and Conversations — Orange Sky Laundry with Nick Marchesi
We take things for granted like having a nice conversation. The homeless often don’t have access to that on a weekly basis. They are regularly ignored by the community. Orange Sky Laundry doesn’t just wash clothes, but they also help connect their homeless friends back into the community.
175: Amazing Young Leaders- part 5 with guest Riley Joy Gantt with Rainbow Pack
Everyone can do something for someone in need. Everyone has the capacity to tell people, There’s no need to be special.
059: What Is Your Gift to The World? — The Petaluma Fabulous Women with Krista Gawronski (Part 1)
The magic happens outside of your comfort zone.
060: What Is Your Gift to The World? Part 2 — The Petaluma Fabulous Women with Krista Gawronski
People have to believe in themselves first before they can fully give back to their community.
037: Helping Breast Cancer Survivors in a Unique Way — P.ink Series with Noel Franus (Part 1 of 3)
There’s a difference between being cured and being healed. Mastectomy tattoos help women heal.
Rob mentioned Courageous Communications workshop, “Attracting Dream Donors”.
Thank you so much, Maryanne Dersch, for you sharing your wisdom with us! A remarkable gift.
What was rob’s memorable lessons /take away from this show?
What are the next steps for GivingBackPodcast?
If you want more and more interviews and good news shared feel free to reach Rob at GivingBackPodcast@gmail.com
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode:
Kristine Sloan is the CEO at StartingBloc, an institute that believes there’s a better way to develop leadership, and there’s a better way to help people find their passion and meaning in life. Since 2003, their programs have reached over 3000 change leaders in 56 countries! Kristine shares how StartingBloc is building a culture of maturity, self-awareness, and connection among their leaders on today’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[2:25] Who is Kristine and how did StartingBloc get started?
[5:55] How does Kristine keep the community at StartingBloc thriving?
[10:55] Kristine shares why self-awareness is so important for their organization.
[14:45] Asking good questions is a great sign of quality leadership.
[19:40] Kristine and her team have worked really hard to include a diverse set of people into StartingBloc.
[25:35] What are some goals and objectives for StartingBloc?
[31:05] Are the organizations that Kristine works with also onboard about the importance of self-awareness?
[38:05] StartingBloc’s goals for 2022 are autonomy and agency. What do they mean by that?
[40:50] When fellows first start working with StartingBloc, what kind of skills do they learn?
[48:05] There are so many possibilities to choose from to create a meaningful and purposeful life, so how do you just take one step?
[51:40] On Kristine’s LinkedIn, it says, “Plus one for destroying the patriarchy.” Kristine describes what that means to her.
[55:25] What message does Kristine have for her fellows?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Welcome to the 118th episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and connect.
Today we’re talking about Ho’oponopono! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
Ho’oponopono is an ancient practice of forgiveness and reconciliation. Traditionally Ho’oponopono is a ritual performed by the eldest member of the family or a healer of the community to bring harmony back to the relations within the family. If a person has wronged someone, or there are hurt feelings within the family than this practice is performed to reunite the family, to reconcile the situation, to make right what is out of harmony.
Ho’oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian huna, a secret to facilitating forgiveness within; or simply, the art of forgiveness.
Four healing phrases are employed in a harmonic mantra to help “make things right” or “correct the errors”. It works to cleanse hurt feelings and relieve suffering from being in an unforgiving or unforgiven state. According to the Babylon online dictionary, Ho’oponopono is used to release problems and blocks that cause imbalance, unease and stress in the self; bring peace and balance through physical, mental and spiritual cleansing that involves repentance and transmutation; and create balance, freedom, love, peace and wisdom within individuals, social entities, the world and the universe.
Ho’oponopono Forgiveness Mantra
I am sorry.
Please forgive me. Thank you.
I love you.
These four forgiveness phrases, both individually and collectively, help heal us and our relationships with others, especially loved ones. Each one melts hearts and heals souls. Going deeper, we can voice this mantra in communing with the divine and see the effect both within and without.
I am sorry for participating in this erroneous memory data.
Please forgive me for not seeing the perfection in this moment, and playing back a universal memory I have received within me that is riddled with wrongs and errors.
Thank you for cleansing me, others, the world and the universe.
I love you. Loving the sweet divine is the greatest power or energy there is in all space. I am now loving everyone involved and affected. I know that my perceptions of them are within me, where this error first occurred and where it can be eradicated.
Like planting a seed in soil that grows into nothing of our making, the divine does the work as we allow it to work through us. As we come to consistently use the Ho’oponopono mantra, we may elect to select a special word as a substitute for the whole mantra to use as a touchstone, so that when we say or think this word, we are immediately clear and clean of all the pain associated with any erroneous memory data presented. Our heart is healed and family or friends will return to relationships with a lighter heart. We do not need to understand how it works, only that it does.
My friend Swami told me an amazing story of a man knowns as Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, who cured every patient in the criminally insane ward of a Hawaii`i State Hospital — without ever seeing a single patient. Now this may seem a little “insane,” but upon having a closer look, the story speaks for itself.
Dr. Len set up an office within the hospital to review his patients’ files. While he looked at these files, he would work on himself, and over four years, the patients all healed. In addition, the staff who had been calling in, eventually loved coming to work. He used the legendary Hawaiian healing and cleansing method Ho’oponopono to accomplish all of this. It is based on healing through loving oneself. Dr. Len repeated the words “I love you” and “I am sorry” over and over again while reviewing each file individually. After a few months, the patients who were shackled were allowed to walk freely, patients were taken off medications, and even the hopeless cases were eventually released back into society.
Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len PhD, a Hawaiian psychologist and shamanic practitioner.
“No one wanted the job I did with the criminally insane. They were averaging about one psychologist a month. But I got asked. We had about 25-30 people. Half of them would be in shackles at the ankles or the wrists because they were dangerous. They could either kick you or slam you. Everyone would walk with their back toward the wall so that they wouldn’t get struck. They had no family visits. No one could leave the building. A year and a half later there was none of that. There were people going out on bus rides. Nobody in shackles. The level of medication dropped. What did I do? I worked on myself. I took 100% responsibility.”
Recently I have gone through with some very distracting situation. Swami made a simple but profound comment, He said “prayers for her” Because he wanted her to heal. Then I thought about “Ho’oponopono” which was relatively a new practice to me and I started taking the 100%. Responsibility.
This is a wonderful practice and I hope you all will engage when you are in distress.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode:
This podcast episode is the final show in the series! Maryanne Dersch has shared valuable resources over the last few weeks on how nonprofits like you can start attracting loyal donors! Listen to part one, two, and three before hearing this one! Who is Maryanne? She is a non-profit speaker, author, and coach. She’s starting a revolution within human investment companies so that they are always filled with abundance, joy, and energy. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways:
[1:25] Who is Maryanne?
[2:00] Maryanne gives a brief summary of steps five and six that they covered in part three.
[3:45] Step 7: Sharing your story.
[5:20] Your website is the foundation for communication.
[8:25] What is a story bank?
[10:25] Don’t put PDFs on your website! It’s not search-engine friendly.
[11:40] How can we share our content on other websites?
[16:00] Likes and shares are nice, but your true friends are on your email list.
[21:55] What content should you include in an email?
[29:35] Print is back! When should you use it?
[37:25] Let’s put everything we learned together and attract those donors of our dreams!
[37:45] Bonus step: Creating a culture that supports an attraction-based brand.
[48:45] Feeling stuck in your plan? Maryanne shares how you can get unstuck.
[52:50] Maryanne does a quick recap of all the steps that were covered in this workshop series!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Welcome to the 117th episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and connect.
Today we’re talking about focussing on your tailwinds! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
033 - 3 Steps to use Gratitude to Bust Your Funky Attitude - Two Disabled Dudes Podcast
https://twodisableddudes.com/use-gratitude-bust-funky-attitude/
There's more to life than circumstance
Insightful, authentic and humorous conversations about living beyond our circumstances, no matter what those may be.
Sean and Kyle are both affected by a rare disease called Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). FA affects their balance and coordination, significantly limiting their physical abilities.
However, both dudes have completed several long distance bike rides including “The World’s Toughest Bike Race” - Race Across America (RAAM). Their RAAM journey is the subject of an award-winning documentary called The Ataxian.
Kyle rode his trike to the top of the highest paved road in North America and Sean ran with the Olympic Torch. Their guests include leaders in the Rare Disease community, Paralympic athletes, notable Psychologists and accomplished public speakers and authors. This podcast is about setting sights beyond the challenges in life and dreaming big, making a plan, and then executing like mad.
To use gratitude to bust your funk, they’ve come up with 3 simple steps.
- Be thankful- Think about it, be aware (acknowledging both the positives and negatives of the state you find yourself in) and reflect on what you are grateful for
- Write. It. Down.
- Take action.
Rose Morris from Abram’s Nation and Fund It Forward
Unique solutions for special families
Abram’s Nation is recognized locally and nationally for our outstanding business practices. We strive for excellence in every aspect of commerce and manufacturing. We are thrilled to have the “stamp of approval” from such distinguished organizations as the US Small Business Administration, The Western Pennsylvania District Export Council and the Pittsburgh Business Times. Founder and President Rose Morris, has also been honored for her strong visionary leadership of the company.
Fund It Forwards’ mission is to ease the burdens of families with children with special needs by raising money for adaptive equipment not covered by health insurance.
She shared something that is really moving. When she talked about the feedbacks of families about Abram’s Nation, they are not only thankful they have very positive feedback about the products.
Koedi Nealy from Graced Ministry
As a 7-year-old, she wanted the homeless she saw to feel loved like she felt loved by her Mom and Dad. She started collecting pennies when he was 7. Now she is 16.
Why Koedi Nealy wanted to help the homeless?
Koedi wanted to feel homeless loves as the way she felt loved by the people around him.
Stephanie Jones, aka the Giving Gal, I’m thinking of you!
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it
BTW, I hope you’re enjoying the Courageous Communications workshop, “Attracting Dream Donors”. Thank you so much Maryanne Dersch for you sharing your wisdom with us!
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode:
This podcast is part three of a four-part workshop series with Maryanne Dersch. Maryanne breaks down how you can grab the attention of and attract long-term, loyal donors in this workshop series. Listen to part one and two before hearing this one! Who is Maryanne? She is a non-profit speaker, author, and coach. She’s starting a revolution within human investment companies so that they are always filled with abundance, joy, and energy. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways:
[1:25] Who is Maryanne?
[2:20] Maryanne gives a brief summary of steps three and four that they covered in part two.
[4:30] Step 5: Delivering the message.
[6:30] How do you fundraise without fear?
[9:05] It’s going to be okay, no matter what they say.
[10:25] Maryanne shares an exercise you can go through to help put you in the right mindset.
[13:35] Host a Lunch & Learn!
[16:25] What is a strategy session?
[19:25] How is a strategy session structured?
[25:55] The end goal is to decide how to continue the relationship.
[28:50] How do you create value for your donors?
[36:20] Step 6: Social media.
[42:00] When creating this plan, you’re not doing this alone.
[43:15] What does a social media plan need to have?
[45:35] An editorial calendar is your commitment to action.
[48:10] The goal isn’t ‘likes’ on your social media page; the goal is to create engagement!
[50:05] How do you create a social media policy?
[56:55] Maryanne shares an example of what it looks like to stand up in a time of crisis or controversy.
[1:00:10] By showing authenticity and vulnerability during a crisis, you gain respect from your donors.
[1:04:30] Maryanne does a quick review of step 5 and step 6.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Courageous Communication, by Maryanne Dersch
Welcome to the 116th episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and connect.
Today we’re talking about Ikigai (生き甲斐)! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
I had a conversation with a remarkable young lady named Monisha Bajaj who is committed to sparking conversations about healthy relationships in Thailand. We touched on what our guests share, besides the experience of serving their community. Spiritual philosophy, life philosophy, perspective on the world and people in it.
I told Monisha that sometimes I feel like people miss the best part of the show, where guests dive deeper because there’s great knowledge they’re sharing. Finding purpose and meaning by making a difference in people’s lives. We’re wired to connect and engage, and by lifting others we lift ourselves.
In fact, we’ve been wrestling about the meaning of life AND self-actualization since we’ve had the luxury of writing and developing arts and culture. Well before Rumi and Tony Robbins and Pico Della Mirandola. Before the Bible and the Torah and the Koran. Before I knew it, I’m talking with this USC grad halfway around the world about Ikigai.
Ikigai (生き甲斐, pronounced [ikiɡai]) is a Japanese concept that means "a reason for being." The word "ikigai" is usually used to indicate the source of value in one's life or the things that make one's life worthwhile. The word translated to English roughly means "thing that you live for" or "the reason for which you wake up in the morning." Each individual's ikigai is personal to them and specific to their lives, values and beliefs. It reflects the inner self of an individual and expresses that faithfully, while simultaneously creating a mental state in which the individual feels at ease. Activities that allow one to feel ikigai are never forced on an individual; they are often spontaneous, and always undertaken willingly, giving individual satisfaction and a sense of meaning to life.
The Ikigai diagram for today’s cover illustrates where we operate. The four areas of what we love to do, what we’re good at, what we get paid to do, and what the world needs, and the sense of being when 3 out of 4 overlaps, plus Ikigai right in the middle. I think the important thing to remember is that it’s not always easy. We have 24 hours in a day, 1,440 minutes. We have to CHOOSE to live our lives in pursuit of Ikigai, or purpose, or significance, or awesomeness, or whatever you call it, in order to make progress towards that goal.
It won’t always be one life. Monisha works full time and her passion is to create a full-time job preventing sexual violence. Nothing wrong with a job that puts food on the table and filling your life with service to others. It’s where you start, and how you move forward that counts.
John P. Weiss draws cartoons, paints landscapes, and writes about life. He wrote an article in Medium.com called “How to Radically Improve Your Life with just three words” and talks about choices, including the courage to change. One person’s advice that helped put him on the right path for him was “Try things until something comes easily” That falls in line with things you’re good at and things you love, or what I call things in your wheelhouse. The perspective John adds is this: “Do hard things.”
See, it’s not enough to just slide in. There will always be an inherent tension to keep moving forward to even stay in Ikigai, that sense of value. Trying new things, moving out of old things even if they’re working, learning, growing, applying new knowledge, overcoming obstacles. If I have a perspective to add to Ikigai, I would say that it’s not a goal. Ikigai is a pursuit.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode:
This podcast is part two of a four-part workshop series with Maryanne Dersch. Over the next few weeks, you’ll be hearing Maryanne break down how you can grab the attention and attract long-term, loyal donors. Who is Maryanne? She is a non-profit speaker, author, and coach. She’s starting a revolution within human investment companies so that they are always filled with abundance, joy, and energy. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways:
[1:25] Who is Maryanne?
[2:30] Maryanne gives a brief summary of the first two steps they covered in part one.
[5:35] Step 3: Communication goals.
[9:40] Create a plan and use it as a roadmap. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Plans change!
[11:40] Think big and get creative! Don’t worry about editing it (for now).
[17:00] In order to grow, you have to do things differently!
[18:10] Maryanne breaks down a vision exercise you can do to help see your future self.
[22:50] If you don’t meet this goal, what’s the worst that can happen?
[26:45] Maryanne shares an example of what step 3 looks like when you apply it.
[30:55] Step 4: Messaging.
[36:15] How do you create your own ‘ideal donor’ avatar?
[41:15] Should you have more than one avatar?
[45:20] How do you structure a brand pyramid?
[52:00] What questions should you be asking yourself?
[59:35] Maryanne explains why it’s so, so important to have belief statements in your company.
[1:02:45] Belief statements let you know when you and your organization need to speak up.
[1:10:20] Step 4 is all about understanding who you’re talking to, and developing a system to talk to those people!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Welcome to the 115th episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and connect.
Today we’re talking about Advice versus Insight! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
There is a very thin line between advice and insights. They both are well intentioned and the difference may be that insight is simply sharing where advice is pretty specific because there is a expectation or atleast hope that the person advice is given to will follow that.
I am reading a lot now a days from Medium.
So today I want to share "The Mind-Blowingly Simple And Positive Advice That Changed My Entire Life" By Nicolas Cole that I recently read on his medium blog.
It's a kind of advice from himself to himself.
The Mind-Blowingly Simple And Positive Advice That Changed My Entire Life
By Nicolas Cole on Medium.com
I was sitting in the middle of the forest with nothing but a tent, a small bag of fruits and nuts, a shovel, and a roll of toilet paper.
Each of us was given a space in this forest to spend 3 days by ourselves.
It was the afternoon, and for miles I saw trees and trees. There were no sounds other than the crackling of leaves under my shoes when I would pace my space back and forth. Every once in a while, I would test the silence and let out a scream, wanting to see how long it would echo.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
It carried into the distance for a moment and then faded.
Just like many of my thoughts of home.
I had arrived on this trip with a lot of anger.
I was 19, feeling all the things you feel when you’re 19.
I felt like my parents didn’t understand me. I felt like everything I did was wrong. I felt like no matter how hard I tried, I would never be the person they wanted me to be. I felt lost and didn’t know what I wanted to be in life. I enjoyed music. I enjoyed writing. But other than that, I didn’t enjoy much else. Most days, I just felt stuck.
But that day in the forest wasn’t like most days.
Finally, I had a moment to hear those thoughts — the ones that played the victim’s song. With 3 entire days to myself, that song became clearer and clearer, to the point where the words no longer seemed like my own.
They were just lyrics I’d memorized and repeated to myself, endlessly.
On the 3rd day (“He rose again…jk”) one of the counselors came by my tent. We sat on a small patch of grass.
“How was it?” she asked.
“Unbelievable,” I said, playing with a stick in my hand. I’d never felt so calm.
“Really? Learn anything special about yourself?” she said.
The way she said it, I could tell she was expecting a cliche response.
I started to nod. I hadn’t put my conclusion quite into words yet.
“Nothing in my life is going to change unless I make it so.”
She flickered her eyes, staring, not saying anything.
“And how did you learn that?” she asked.
I looked out at the vastness and the trees. The entire forest hadn’t changed at all in 3 days, and yet I felt like an entirely different person.
“Because all the things I want to change in my life, I keep waiting for other people to change them. But I don’t have control over other people. The only thing I have control over is myself. So, if I want anything to change, I have to be the one to do it.”
She tilted her head a bit and looked at me skeptically.
“Are you saying this just because you think it’s what I want to hear?” she asked. I was on a 30-day canoe trip for troubled teens, after all.
I shook my head, slowly and without defense.
“Nope,” I said softly. “I understand that anything I want in this world, I have to be the one to make it happen.”
I’ve been living by my own advice ever since.
Thanks for reading :)
I shared with this with my son who is under lot of pressure. So I thought I would share because this guy is really young too and same age like him.
So I wanted to make him understand that, whatever he wants is upto him, not that he is alone just to understand that he has very little control over everything and 100% contol over himself.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Mind-Blowingly Simple And Positive Advice That Changed My Entire Life
Welcome! This podcast is part one of a four-part workshop series with Maryanne Dersch. Over the next few weeks, you’ll be hearing Maryanne break down what you need to do to get the attention you need to attract long-term, loyal donors. Who is Maryanne? She is a non-profit speaker, author, and coach. She’s starting a revolution within human investment companies so that they are always filled with abundance, joy, and energy. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways:
[1:30] Who is Maryanne?
[2:35] Maryanne provides an overview of the 7 steps.
[4:50] What results can listeners expect by the end of the workshop?
[6:15] Step 1: Create a vision.
[11:20] Why did Maryanne develop Courageous Communication?
[15:00] Do you feel isolated? It’s time to change your mindset.
[16:15] Maryanne shares an example of what Courageous Communication can do for you.
[22:25] Your organization can’t afford not to communicate effectively.
[25:25] Step 2: Communications Assessment.
[28:50] What’s the value of your time in your nonprofit?
[32:00] Grown-up organizations pay for their work.
[37:10] Do your current marketing materials reflect who you are as a brand?
[40:10] What are the benefits of a discovery session?
[44:25] Gather as much feedback as you can from your staff.
[48:40] Host lunch-and-learn events to connect with others!
[51:55] Stay tuned to next week’s episode to find out how to get over your fear of asking.
[55:55] We have worksheets for you! The links are below.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Courageous Communication, by Maryanne Dersch
Welcome to the 114th episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people’s lives and connect.
Today we’re talking about Banter, timing, and serendipity! Enjoy today’s episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.
Key Takeaways:
Kominsky Method: Sandy & Norman
Two old curmudgeons and lifelong friends
As a portrait of aging masculinity and friendship, it’s wonderful. The two leads are fantastic apart, reveling in intelligently written parts that give them plenty of laughs to play, in addition to well-earned emotional highs as flawed, believable, fully rounded human beings.
Marvelous Mrs Maisel: Midge & Susie
On the road with an abundance of sharpness. First time watching, saw only 15 minutes and I’m addicted! Susie is the best!
When you are with the right person and you have the right attitude, it results pretty great.
In the course of being snowed in and the road being closed, We had a conversation with our host about Bantering and we had a conversation with lot of funny things.
WinterHaus: Rick & Rob
5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and promote multilingualism. Wikipedia
Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage. All moves to promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance, and dialogue.
This reminds us how to be in the conversation, pay attention, full of meaning and that’s how you banter, you have the contacts, You have meaning and in that meaning, there is a great value.
Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness
Love & Gratitude,
Rob