Be The Good

Be The Good Media strives to elevate the GOOD - amplifying compassion-driven stories and encouraging the support of people and organizations who are focused on creating a lasting and positive impact. Christy McCaffrey is the owner, producer, and host of the podcast. She focuses on a theme of compassion, highlighting a diverse group of guests, each who is working in their own unique way to make a difference in their communities and in society. Paul Isenberg is a co-founder and CEO of Bringing Hope Home, a nonprofit organization that helps families in the Philadelphia area. As the leader of HOPE Nation, Paul is determined to make an impact in the lives of Families battling cancer. Every day he upholds his late wife Nicole's vision of delivering Unexpected Amazingness to local Families with cancer through financial and emotional support. Through the Light of Hope Family Program, Bringing Hope Home offers one-time financial assistance to pay essential household bills for Families with cancer. Timestamps:1:30 - Nicole, Paul's late wife, story and how that experience helped you to start Bringing Hope Home?6:00 - When did Bringing Hope Home start in relation to Nicole?9:35 - What is unexpected amazingness and how is that support fulfilled?14:03 - What is Hope Nation and how does it help families that are affected by cancer?19:30 - What is the students Bringing Hope Home program? How can schools get involved?23:38 - What are other programs people can support through donating or volunteering?    26:05 - How would you define compassion?30:15 - What is the importance of community in relation to people fighting cancer?           35:10 - Where can people find more information about Bringing Hope Home?BackLinks:https://bringinghopehome.org/https://www.instagram.com/BringingHopeHome/https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Learned-Comprehensive-Passion-Driven-Nonprofit/dp/173442771X

Jessica K. Smith is the founder of Living Well With Epilepsy, a website and community that is intended to be a trusted resource to and reflective of the millions of people who are living with epilepsy. In addition to Living Well With Epilepsy, Jessica is also the Executive Director of the American Society for Experimental Neurotherapeutics (ASENT). ASENT is an independent non-profit organization established in 1997 by leaders in academia, government, advocacy and industry to facilitate the process by which new therapies are made available to patients with neurological disorders. Its primary goal is to encourage and advance the development of improved therapies for diseases and disorders of the nervous system.Jessica is here today to share more with us about her own personal journey with epilepsy and all the incredible good she is working to create for the epilepsy community.To learn more please visit: https://livingwellwithepilepsy.com  

Jenn Parrado is the Executive Director of an organization called Simon's Heart. The vision of this organization is a future in which parents and communities no longer lose children to detectable and treatable heart conditions. The mission of Simon's Heart is to create and advance innovative and evidence-based programs, policies, and research that prevent sudden cardiac arrest and death in children, teens and young adults.Jenn is here to share with us more about the importance of early detection screenings, life saving AED machines, and the amazing work that this organization is doing nation wide to bring attention to this very important cause!Be sure to visit simoneheart.org to learn moreTo make a donation please visit: https://simonsheart.org/donate_now/Follow @simonsheart on Instagram!

Kahea Pacheco is the co-director of a nonprofit organization called Women's Earth Alliance. Women's Earth Alliance is on a mission to protect our environment, end the climate crisis, and ensure a just thriving world by empowering women's leadership. WEA aims to elevate women leaders around the world who are protecting the earth and taking bold action against climate change.WEA provides leadership, strategy, and technical training for women leaders to scale their climate and environmental initiatives while connecting them to a global alliance of peers, mentors and funders.On this episode of Be The Good Podcast, Kahea is here to share more with us about the incredible and empowering work this organization is doing and how we can all get more involved in making a lasting global impact for the good.Learn more about Women's Earth Alliance @ https://womensearthalliance.orgTo DONATE please visit: https://womensearthalliance.org/donate/Be sure to follow @womensearthalliance

Anil Gupta is recognized worldwide as the Love Doctor, as he helps couples in rekindling their relationships and singles in finding the right partner. After overcoming suicidal thoughts in 2008 Anil has gone on to inspire thousands of people with his methodologies and best selling book, "Immediate Happiness".He has given relationship and mindset workshops in over 18 countries and has been invited to meet with leaders of countries, spiritual leaders (such as the Dalai Lama!) as well as celebrities, billionaires and athletes, such as Mike Tyson.On this episode of Be The Good Podcast, Anil is here to share with us not only his own personal journey of overcoming adversity but also to share valuable tips, tools and nuggets of wisdom that can help us all live our lives more fully and more joyfully. Visit www.meetanil.com to learn more!Visit www.chatwithanil.com to schedule a one on one call!

Michal Smith is the Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia. The mission of Cradles to Crayons is to provide children from birth through the age of 12 with the everyday essentials they need to thrive at home, at school and at play. The overarching vision of Cradles to Crayons is a future free of childhood poverty. On this episode of Be The Good Podcast, Michal shares with us how her organization's “kids come first” values and culture have enabled C2C to energize a diverse and inclusive community of more than 75,000 volunteers while supporting more than one million children in need. Visit https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/philadelphia/ to learn more and be sure to follow @:Cradles to Crayons on InstagramCradles to Crayons on Facebook

Eric Williams Is the Founder of an organization called Project Elijah Empowering Autism (PEEA). PEEA is a 501(c)3 organization established in 2004 and named after Eric's  son Elijah, now 24 years old, who at the age of 3 was diagnosed with autism. With no programs in his community serving autistic children or their families at that time, Eric created PEEA as a community resource and support system that he has now been leading for the past 18 years in Philadelphia.Eric uses unique and innovative methodologies to offer diversity and inclusion experiences for the autistic children and their families and is a dedicated leader in his community. On this episode of Be The Good Podcast Eric is here to share with us his personal journey to create and expand PEEA and the powerful impact his organization is having on the autistic community that he serves.Learn more about PPEA at: https://peea.orgFollow PEEA on IG: @peea98Donate HERE  

Monique Kelley is the CEO and Founder of Monique Kelley Consulting, LLC, Associate Professor of Strategic Communication and Faculty Advisor of The Public Relations Student Society of America at Boston University's College of Communication. Monique is a purpose-driven, strategic communications professional and trusted advisor within the global pharmaceutical and biotech industries. She is an independent consultant and professor who draws from her recent experiences as a former senior leader in both corporate and agency settings.Since 2020, Monique has served as a Boston Founding Member of CHIEF, an executive and C-suite-level community connecting and supporting women leaders. Additionally, leading industry publication PRNews awarded her with its "Top Women in PR" honor.On this episode of Be The Good Podcast, Monique is here to share with us how she has worked to bring about a focus of compassion and empathy with her work over the years in PR and patient advocacy, the value and fulfillment she has found as a professor at her alma mater B.U., and how she is working to champion for women of color in leadership roles.Connect with Monique on LinkedInLearn more about the Nonprofit Organization Monique mentioned: NAMIDonate to NAMI here.

Aric Steinberg is the Executive VP of Development and Artist Relations for an organization called The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing physical or mental health issues, disability or age related problems.On this episode of Be The Good Podcast Aric shares with us the compassion driven work that this organization is doing and all the ways that donors can get involved to help support this incredible cause.  Be sure to visit  https://www.sweetrelief.org to learn more, DONATE here.and follow @sweetreliefmusiciansfund on Instagram.

Monica Packer is a recovering perfectionist, podcaster and progress coach. She is also the founder and facilitator of a community called About Progress. About Progress is a community made up of people who want to work on their self-development AND self acceptance. Through her community, Monica guides women to grow into living with purpose and connecting to their greater potential.On this episode of Be The Good Podcast Monica shares with us her own personal journey away from perfectionism and into the practice of embracing the "mess of progress".Be sure to follow @aboutprogress on Instagram and visit https://aboutprogress.com to learn more!

Steve Fletcher is the Director of Economic Development for an organization called Low Country Local First. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Low Country Local First advances economic prosperity and local ownership through innovative and inclusive initiatives that build on the local community's wealth and wellbeing. On this episode of Be The Good Podcast Steve shares more about the value and benefits of supporting local businesses and the many ways that his organization is developing innovative models for sustainable and equitable local economies.To learn more about Low County Local First please visit www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org

Kyra Knox is an award-winning impact producer and director. Her love and passion for the arts started at the age of six, when her journey began as a student at Freedom Theatre. Kyra understands the power of storytelling across mediums and her producing experience has taken her on shoots across the country, from commercial to corporate to documentary. Her social impact work has been recognized with two Silver Tellys Awards for "In The Know" with Verizon Media and she has also won a Gold Addy and Mosaic Award for her work with the Philadelphia Eagles producing a PSA to bring awareness to the gun violence in her city. On this episode of Be The Good Podcast Kyra is here to discuss her journey of becoming an impact producer and director and also to highlight her first feature length documentary film titled “Bad Things Happen In Philadelphia.” To learn more about Kyra Knox visit www.kyraknox.comFollow Kyra Knox on Instagram @kyraknox_Follow along with her latest film "Bad Things Happen In Philadelphia"And please be sure to learn more about (and support!)  the nonprofits that Kyra mentions in her Be The Good interview:Shoot Basketballs NOT PeopleMothers in Charge

Joshua Santiago is the founder of an organization called Empowering Cuts. He is a returning guest to Be The Good Podcast and our first conversation “Humanizing The Homeless” is actually the most listened to episode of this podcast thus far. It is not only the incredibly kind and generous work that Joshua is doing to uplift and compassionately support the homeless community, or the 108K followers who are tuned into his work via Instagram – that is so impressive, it is truly the level of heart and empathy that Joshua shows up with every single day, in everything that he does for the homeless community that has made the biggest impression on me. He is one of the most genuine people I have ever spoken to and the work he is doing is so powerful and inspiring.It is a true pleasure and honor to have him back with us again for more inspiring conversation. Joshua is here to catch us up on all that has been going on for him via Empowering Cuts since we last spoke.Follow @empoweringcuts_ on IGDONATE

Taylor Kane is a 23 year old carrier of the X linked disease Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Her father Jack was diagnosed with ALD when she was three years old, Jack's condition quickly deteriorated, and he was completely bedridden for many months, unable to talk, walk or swallow, or understand much of what was going on around him. Sadly, Jack passed away when Taylor was just 5 years old.Taylor became an advocate for ALD families at a very young age, helping to raise over $200,000 for ALD research. When she was in high school she, she lobbied the senate and assembly in her home state of New Jersey to introduce and pass a bill requiring the screening of newborns for ALD. She subsequently testified before both houses in support of the bill, and petitioned the governor to sign the bill into law, which he did in 2013.Taylor went on to create an organization called Remember the Girls after learning that more than 50% of female ALD carriers go on to develop physical symptoms – sometimes severe ones – and that many other carriers of X-linked disorders are similarly affected. She soon realized that these female carriers, as a group, are often overlooked by the medical community, omitted from clinical trials and have little peer or other support.Taylor is here to share with us more about her ongoing mission with Remember The Girls and all the good she is doing to advocate for a cause and a community that is so personal to her.Learn more about Taylor Kane at TaylorKane.comLearn more about Remember The Girls HEREFollow Taylor on IG @rarelikeherFollow Remember The Girls on IG @rememberthegirlsFollow @rarelikeusbook Purchase  "Rare Like Us", Taylor's Memoir

Pat House is a nationally touring comedian based out of Philadelphia.For Pat, everyday life seems to be a great source of material. Spending years bartending and interacting with strangers, Pat says he was constantly intrigued, amazed and extremely annoyed at the ridiculous things people say and do in public. A regular performer in comedy clubs, casinos, and theatres all over the country he has been a choice opener for Sebastian Maniscalco, Tom Segura and Dan Cummins. Pat has performed at Funny or Die's Oddball Festival, has been featured by the Metro and Philly Weekly. He recorded his first album Biggest Thing in 2013 and has since recorded 2 more albums - all of which are available on iTunes and Amazon.Pat also just so happens to be a former high school classmate of mine who over the years has become a very good friend. Pat and I chat regularly about our creative pursuits in podcasting and writing and I have come to deeply admire his ability to bring so much goodness into the world with his humor.Pat is here to share more with us about his comedic journey over the years, his podcast, his intent and hope for the value that his comedy will bring into the world and of course some good energy and laughs! Learn more about Pat House, his comedy and his tour dates HERE Follow Pat on IG - @bohemianpatsody

As the host of Podcast Therapy, and The Women's Empowerment Director for an organization called YWCA in the Greater Green Bay area -  Suzanne Wittman aims to empower and lift the voices of all women – especially women of color.As an intersectional feminist and immigrant herself, Suzanne supports the efforts of BIPOC communities and is an LGBTQ+ ally. She is a founding member of The Northeast Wisconsin Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Professionals group and was named one of Wisconsin's 34 most influential Asian American Leaders in 2021. Suzanne is here to share more about her work with the YWCA as well as her journey to create her podcast, Podcast Therapy With Suzanne Wittman.Listen to Podcast Therapy With Suzanne Wittman!Learn more about YWCA Greater Green Bay

At the age of 12 months, Daniel DeFabio's first child Lucas was diagnosed with a rare disease called Menkes Syndrome. After adjusting his expectations of what raising a child might look like Daniel began to tell Lucas' story with a short documentary. That film led Daniel to co-found DISORDER: The Rare Disease Film Festival and later The Disorder Channel, both which are dedicated to spreading awareness for patient families facing any of the more than 7,000 rare diseases.One of Daniel's stories about Lucas won the 2015 Rare Patient Story Award from Global Genes. His award winning 12 minute documentary on Menkes Syndrome is narrated by Oscar nominee Mary McDonnell. In 2008 he founded that Ballston Spa Film Festival. He was a pioneer of original content online (now called web series) and co-wrote and co-produced the internet's first animated series.He has created videos and marketing materials for American Cinematographer, PBS, RightRace, bio-techs. Hospitals, most major movie studios, TNT's “The Closer” and HBOs “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, among others. Daniel currently works as Global Gene's Director of Community Engagement. Daniel is here to today to share his powerful personal story.The Disorder ChannelDISORDER: The Rare Disease Film FestivalFollow @disorderrarediseasefilms on Instagram!

As an entrepreneurial mother of 3, Robiar Smith was inspired to blaze the trail for women of color in a lucrative yet male-dominated industry. Combining her passion and advocacy for public health beginning in the home with her innate resourceful mentality, Smith launched the most successful Black woman-owned extermination company, R.B Pest Solutions. Beyond her company, as a visionary and mentor that desires to leave a legacy, through her example and advocacy, Robiar has been able to inspire women throughout underserved communities like Southside Chicago to create new and innovative opportunities for them and their families. Robiar is a former Woman in Tech and University business Professor who is continuing to break barriers now in a multi-million dollar male dominated industry. She is here to share with us how she has used her own trials to propel her forward and how legacy is not just what you do, it's what you do for others who are following behind you.Learn more: R.B. Pest SolutionsFollow: R.B. Pest Solutions on Instagram

Mary Alice Monroe is the New York Times bestselling author of 27 books, including her latest instant best seller “The Summer Of Lost and Found”.Nearly 8 million copies of her books have been published worldwide, and she's earned numerous accolades and awards. Including induction into the South Carolina Academy of Author's Hall of Fame.Through her novels and the research and volunteer work she immerses herself in prior to writing, Mary Alice Monroe works to champion the fragility of the earth's wild habitat. The coastal southern landscape, in particular, has become a strong and important focus of many of her novels.Sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, monarch butterflies, and shorebirds are among the species she has worked with and woven into her novels. Monroe is an active conservationist and volunteer serving on several boards working to protect wildlife.Mary Alice is here to share with us more about her inspiring passion for the work that she does and the impact she hopes to make through her writing. Learn more about Mary Alice MonroePurchase her books Check out Mary Alice's upcoming eventsFollow @Maryalicemonroe on Instagram

Michael Holt is the founder of Savage and Saint Consultancy. He is a guide in vitality and consciousness to some of the most elite performers in the world. His extensive background in meditation, martial arts, western psychology, health and wellness, and exercise science combine to form a unique mind-body teaching method that is trusted by executives, founders, athletes, artists, and entertainers committed to excellence in all areas of their lives.He resides in Venice, California, where he devotes his time outside of his private practice and group facilitation to meditation, martial arts and wellness study, writing, and shamanic training.He is a longtime friend of mine from high school who has an absolute heart of gold, an outside the box type of mentality that I truly admire, and a genuine passion for helping others. He's here to share with us more about his own personal growth journey and all the ways he is working to support others through his unique teaching methods. Learn more about Michael, his work, and his services HEREFollow Savage and Saint on Instagram

Tarik Kitson is a health care administrator at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and President/ Co-Founder of Active Plus. Tarik has been working in the health care arena since 2014. He obtained his Bachelors of Art from SUNY Geneseo and Masters of Public Health from Columbia University.Tarik was a four-year collegiate basketball star while also receiving educational accolades and community activism awards. In 2013 Tarik co-founded Active Plus after learning about the lack of resources available while volunteering at a school in East Harlem. Tarik is here to share with us how his intense dedication to end the obesity epidemic fueled his drive to fight for his community and all the powerful work he is doing now with his Active Plus programs.Learn More About Active PlusFollow Active Plus on InstagramDONATE 

Dr. Hava Rose says that ‘The journey to a higher quality of life does not stop with physical self-care. It takes a cumulation of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing to create that higher vibration daily.” Hava learned this after years of “perfecting” her physical care through exercise, diet and preventative physical measure such as chiropractic work. But when she hit a pivotal point in her life where she was left with nothing but those physical assets, she realized there was much greater work that had to be done in order to sustain a high quality of life.This is when the inner work began for Hava, she began reading empowering books, writing her every thought and allowing space to feel emotions and watch them evolve. She realized how vital this process was and how so many people never get a chance to do this for themselves. Hava knew that in order to create a better world to live in, more individuals need to create a better internal environment.She has taken her patient and human care to the next level by infusing all her own life lessons and assisting others in navigating their own. Through her physical chiropractic work, her nourishing meals made from love, her listening ear, her guided journal workshops and community The Write Echo and her thought-provoking words, she is able to reach deeper healing levels in those that surround her. Hava prides herself in being a light of reflection to others who are stuck in their own tunnel. She hopes to leave this world just a little brighter and with a whole lot more love for self, others and Mother Earth. She is here to share a wealth of wisdom and self-care tips with us.Learn more about Dr. Hava RoseFollow hava.rose on InstagramMore info on Write Echo Workshops

Carlos Aponte is the Founder, Executive Director and Lead Instructor of a non profit called We Love Philly. We Love Philly is a program designed by Carlos that teaches volunteerism, entrepreneurship, mindfulness, and content creation to youth left behind by mainstream institutions.We Love Philly teaches students how to navigate complex emotional stressors, equips them with essential life skills, arranges volunteer experiences to promote community, connects students with local entrepreneurs and business owners to gain expertise and lastly helps students to create their own brand.Carlos is here to tell us more about the incredible work he is doing for the youth here in Philly and about the impact they are working to make together. Learn more about We Love PhillyFollow We Love Philly on Instagram 

Angela Monaco is the owner of a charming and ethical boutique jewelry store in Philadelphia, Angela Monaco Jewelry. Angela designs and produces everything locally on Philadelphia's historic Jeweler's Row and uses ethically sourced gem stones.Angela says that her company sees sustainability as a holistic and authentic strategy woven into the core of the brand – "a continuous journey of learning and celebrating the collective beauty of what we do and who we are." The intentionality and care that Angela takes in every step of her business is evident in all that she produces, from her beautiful website, gorgeous storefront and most especially her timeless & beautiful designs.Angela is here to share more with us about her authentic approach to a local, sustainable, and ethical business model and her genuine, passion driven, approach to creating more good in the world.Visit AngelaMonacoJewelry to learn more!Follow on Instagram Donate to her GoFund Me

When she was 37 years old, Tiffany Job – a wife, mom, and nurse was blindsided by her diagnosis with advanced non small cell lung cancer. Statistically this prognosis is grim, but Tiffany says that over the past year she has responded well to molecular targeted therapy, a relatively new field of treatment that is typically more effective than chemo and provides a much better quality of life.Soon after her diagnosis Tiffany says she told her husband Nick that she refused to leave this world without making an impact. Since then, having learned more about the magnitude of cancer's reach, a disease that takes nearly 10 million lives per year, Tiffany says that despite massive progress in recent years, there is still much more that can be done.In response, Tiffany and Nick created a non profit called Ten For Ten Million which seeks to promote recurring donations in the fixed amount of $10 per month for the 10 million people who pass from cancer each year. Tiffany and her husband Nick are here to tell us more about their amazing mission and their goals to support the vitally important research being done at The MD Anderson Cancer Center. DONATE $10 per month! ----> TenForTenMillion.orgLearn MoreFollow on IG!

Hakeem Ruiz is the Vice President of an organization called The Block Gives Back. The Block Gives back is a non profit organization that aims to promote community involvement and engagement by targeting issues within the community and devising a plan to recruit local volunteers, businesses, organizations and community leaders to help in working towards a solution.Created by a group of friends from high school, this organization is showing up for communities all over the city of Philadelphia in a big way to give back and promote community involvement and support. Their mission has caught the attention of The Rachel Ray Show and other major media outlets, as well as a guest appearance and support from comedian Kevin Hart who came to town to collaborate with The Block Gives Back and support the block he grew up on here in Philly. On this episode of Be The Good Podcast, Hakeem is here to share with us the incredible work this organization is doing and all the ways that you can get involved and support this amazing mission. To DONATETo learn moreFollow The Block Gives Back on Instagram 

Julie Andersen is the CEO of a global organization called Plastic Oceans International. This non profit organization's goal is to end plastic pollution and to foster sustainable communities worldwide. They operate on the belief that we can and must act locally in order to create change globally. Julie's career has focused on communicating new means to improve and safeguard human health and the environment from the negative effects of industrial development. She has worked in public health and non profit management internationally for the past 15 years, including the U.S., Japan, Hong Kong  and Thailand. Julie's Plastic Oceans work combines her career protecting human and environmental health, life sciences, education and love for the ocean. Julie is here today to tell us more about how this international organization came about and all the incredible work they are doing to make an impact. DonateLearn MoreSocial Media

Brad Kaplan is the Director of Development for an organization called The Richmond Cycling Corps. The mission of The Richmond Cycling Corps is to educate and empower the lives of Richmond youth living in the heart of the East End of Richmond, with a purpose to change the lives of youth who are living there in the public housing projects.What starts on a bike does not end with a race or a ride. This organization aims to develop the whole person as they work with the youth they serve. They say that cycling is their platform for change. They laugh, they teach, they learn and they have a passion for being a positive impact on the kids in the heart of public housing. Brad is here today to tell us more about the incredible work this organization is doing and all that they hope to achieve.DonateMore InfoSocial Media 

Jessica Patay is the founder and President of a nonprofit organization called We Are Brave Together. We Are Brave Together is an organization that provides community and mentoring for mothers caring for children of any age with disabilities, special needs, or other medical or mental health challenges.As a mom of a child with special needs herself, Jessica knows first-hand just how necessary and powerful it is to know that you are not alone. This passion carries over as she gathers women to encourage them, mentor them, inspire them and validate their intense and precious journeys.Jessica is here to share with us her own journey to create this organization and the powerfully positive support she is working to offer all those who gather in this community. DonateInstagramPodcastMore Info 

Dr. Sheena C. Howard is a Professor of Communications. She is an award winning author, filmmaker, and scholar. In 2014, Sheena became the first black woman to win an Eisner Award for her first book, “Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation”.  She is also the author of several critically acclaimed books and comic books on a range of different topics.Sheena is a writer and image activist, with a passion for telling stories, through various mediums, that encourage audiences to consider narratives that are different than their own.In 2014, Sheena published Black Queer Identity Matrix and Critical Articulations of Race, Gender and Sexual Orientation. Sheena is the author/editor of the award winning book “Encyclopedia of Black Comics and the co-writer of the comic book “Superb” about a teenage superhero with down syndrome.In 2016, through her company Nerdworks, Sheena directed, produced and wrote the documentary “Remixing Colorblind” which explores the ways the educational system shapes our perception of race and “others”.On this episode of Be The Good Podcast Sheena shares her inspiring story from collegiate athlete, through her PhD and now as a professor, author, producer and Ted X Speaker on a mission to highlight social justice, diversity, representation and self empowerment. Learn more about Sheena and her work at SheenaCHoward.comWatch her TedX Talk: 3 Self Empowerment Truths That Will Set You FreePurchase the author's books here.Watch her documentary "Remixing Color Blind"

Jillian Morris is a marine biologist, shark conservationist, founder and president of the nonprofit Sharks4Kids, author to 2 children's books, professional videographer and photographer, mom, wife, and avid diver.She has filmed for numerous television shows and networks, has appeared on Shark Week, and is a PADI Ambassadiver. She was named Scuba Diving Magazine's July 2016 Sea Hero, awarded the inaugural Shark Con Shark Hero award in 2017 and was the Go Blue Awards 2020 Blue Ambassador of The Year. She is also a member of the prestigious Ocean Artists Society.This interview was so exciting for me, Jillian's work is incredibly fascinating and she is here to share with us how her childhood passion carried through into a career and passion driven mission to make an impact. This episode is full of goodness and truly inspiring.DonateLearn MoreYouTube ChannelSocial Media:IGJillian IGFacebook

Legend and Amanda Tarver are the founders of 300 Letters, an organization focused on creating and maintaining the bond between recently released parents from incarceration and their children. The organization aims to provide support and resources for families as they recover and work to create stability after incarceration. Amanda and Legend were incarcerated together during the most challenging time in their lives. Leaving behind their oldest son Dorian and soon thereafter learning that a new baby was on the way, just one month into Amanda's incarceration. A family forcefully split and getting larger fueled this young couple to ensure that they stick together through the letters that they wrote. The aftermath of their experience has inspired a passion driven mission in them both to help support families who are working through a similarly challenging circumstance. This interview is incredibly eye opening, informative, emotionally raw and inspiring. Legend and Amanda share with us their story and their mission to make an impact.DonateLearn MoreFollow on Instagram

Sebastian Martin is a social entrepreneur and educator based in NYC. In 2013 he founded Cambio Coffee, an organic social enterprise company that operated in Shanghai for 5 years. Sebastian then moved to NYC in 2018 to run the Social Innovation Program at Avenues: The World School. He has now recently launched Cambio Labs, a non profit venture that creates educational apps and programs that transform students into social entrepreneurs, designers for impact, and community activists.  Sebastian is here to tell us more about the inspiring and transformative work he is doing. Cambio LabsInstagramwww.ChristyMcCaffrey.com/podcast

Photo Start is a non profit team of photographers, artists and teachers providing opportunities for impoverished youth who might otherwise get left behind. At Photo Start they believe that talent is universal, opportunity is not and they are on a mission to change that.  The Photo Start Program offers problem based, social emotional learning that leverages digital media arts, starting with photography.Today we have with us Photo Start’s Director of Development and Partnerships Abby Lehman as well as Jeri Murchura, Photo Start’s Kenya Program Coordinator.  Abby and Jeri are here to give us a more in depth look at the powerful work this organization is doing to make a difference in the lives of children in distressed areas. Learn more about Photo Start HERE.DonateFollow on Instagram!

Kevin Shah is on a mission to make empathy a habit for all so that people understand one another. He is the co-founder and CEO of a company called Jaago. Jaago is primarily designed for HR and DEI leaders to enable their employees to build more empathy, but it is also an incredible tool that Kevin encourages us all to utilize as we work to strengthen our own empathy muscles. It is a mobile platform that makes empathy building a daily habit by creating spaces to watch, reflect, and measurably grow using crowdsourced short stories that facilitate understanding new perspectives. Kevin is here to tell us more about how we can all work to harness the superpower of empathy! To learn more and connect:Jaago.lifeInstagramTo learn more about host, Christy McCaffrey, please visit christymccaffrey.com/about 

Christa Mantey is a mind, body, spirit wellness coach, she is a conscious parent and partner facilitator and a lactation educator as well. With years of experience in nutrition and wellness Christa added post partum and couples support to her work after walking the path of her own unique experience with childbirth and parenthood and she brings an incredibly inspiring perspective and light to the conversation of all things wellness.Christa is here today to share more with us about her journey and the beautiful work she is doing to support others. To connect and learn more follow @christamantey !

Evan LaRuffa is a creative problem solver and the founder of an organization called I Paint My Mind. I Paint My Mind is a non profit organization  made up of curators, organizers and advocates for the arts. By working with local artists, partnering with companies that care, and providing arts resources to underserved communities, I Paint My Mind works to make the world a more connected and creative place. Evan is here to tell us more about this creative driven mission to do good and foster more connections.I Paint My Mind WebsiteInstagramDONATE

Ray Nell Jones is a female empowerment speaker, activist and the founder of an organization called the Allignment Chapter. Ray Nell has been featured on The Ellen Show, Brawny initiative and the Top 50 smart Biz. Ray Nell and her organization work to help low income single mothers throughout the United States. Ray Nell and her team work to provide the basic necessities needed to wash their children, brush their teeth and properly clean their clothes.Inspired by her own challenging circumstances as a single mom since the age of 19, Ray Nell has gone on to create a movement to support thousands of other women and families. She is here today to share more with us about her story and the very important work she is doing.To learn more about/connect with The Allignment Chapter please visit to following links:WebsiteDonateInstagram

Maxwell Poth is the founder of an organization called Project Contrast. Project Contrast is a non profit organization created to help share the stories of, and give a voice to, LGBTQ+ youth across the country. In addition to raising awareness and lowering the amount of suicides among LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S., Project Contrast aims to create a platform for these youth to become advocates for each other and in their own communities.Maxwell is here to help educate and explain further the incredible mission he and his team are on.To connect with and learn more about Maxwell and Project Contrast:Project Contrast WebsiteInstagramTo learn more about host, Christy McCaffrey, visit www.ChristyMcCaffrey.com/about 

Wendy Shew is the founder of a for-purpose organization, "Building Education", that serves to alleviate poverty in developing countries by inspiring, educating and empowering.In collaborating with the government, partner organizations and local schools The Building Education Organization aims to transform rural villages into prosperous, dignified communities. Building Education is a 501c3 organization that provides funding for education to children of developing countries in an effort to end poverty as well. The vision is to "transform the lives that touch these projects, changing the way that we see ourselves in the world, creating leaders in the community and developing villages by uplifting the lives of others."Wendy is here to tell us more about her own journey to this powerful and inspiring work and all that she hopes to achieve going forward.DonateLearn MoreFollow on Social Media:Building Education on InstagramWendy Shew on Instagram

Kevin Stickelman is the CEO of the National Ability Center, a non profit organization that is a leader in adaptive recreation, offering outdoor adventures that cater to those with a different ability or disability and programs designed with inclusion as a first priority. The NAC rallies around the belief that our differences make us stronger and that recreating together can change our world. By including family and friends in their programming, the NAC strives to reinforce relationships and build support systems that exist beyond the initial program experience. Kevin is here to share with us more about this amazing program and all the good that they are doing. DonateLearn MoreFollow on Social MediaNAC on Instagram

Alex West is the founder of an organization called One More Wave. The mission at One More Wave is to provide wounded or injured veterans with customized surfboards, wet suits, stand up paddle boards and body surfing hand planes customized to their injuries. At One More Wave it is their belief that ocean therapy will not only improve the lives of our veterans but also impact the veteran suicide rate of 22 a day.Alex is here to tell us more about this incredible organization and all the amazing work they are doing. DonateLearn MoreFollow on Social Media:One More Wave on Instagram

Greg Cohen is one of the most inspiring people I know. I have known Greg for about 2 years now as we have worked together on several projects for my non profit Project Scleroderma. Greg suffers from the autoimmune disease, Scleroderma, which is a disease I lost my own mom to 11 years ago.Scleroderma literally means “hard skin”, it causes a hardening of the connective tissue. Although the skin hardening is a major issue for many patients, scleroderma can also affect internal organs with life threatening consequences. This disease affects each patient differently but can be very debilitating. Which is why what Greg is doing is incredible. He is running marathons to raise awareness for the cause and to support scleroderma research. He has become an incredible example of strength and hope for all who suffer from this disease and he is here to talk with us today about a year long documentary project we have been working on together. Greg is working tirelessly to not only to raise awareness but also to encourage support of the life saving research that is being done. Please take some time to learn more about Greg's fundraiser here.And if you are able to, please considering making a donation to help Greg reach his fundraising goal! Donate here. Thank you!Follow Greg on InstagramFollow Greg on Facebook

Laurel Sims is the co-founder and CEO of a non profit called Urban Growers Collective. Rooted in growing food, the Urban Growers Collective works to cultivate nourishing environments which support health, economic development, healing and creativity through urban agriculture. The Urban Growers Collective currently has eight urban farms that operate on 11 acres of land, predominantly located on Chicago’s south side. The organization also focuses on job readiness, training hundreds of teens, difficult to employ adults, and new farmers in the art of growing. Laurell is here to tell us more about the programs offered by The Urban Growers Collective and all the amazing work they are doing on the South Side of Chicago. The heart and mission of this non profit is guided by the incredible compassionate focus of Laurel and her team and with the intention to deliver more GOOD to this world. This organization is doing really inspiring work!Learn more!Make A Donation To learn more about host, Christy McCaffrey, visit: www.ChristyMcCaffrey.com

Robert Thornton is the founder of an organization called Cloud Covered Streets. Robert is on a mission to bring hope, compassion, kindness and needed supplies to those experiencing homelessness in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Robert and his team work to provide new shirts, socks, toiletries and letters of encouragement to those in need. And they recently hit the streets with a brand new mobile trailer that provides showers, laundry services, haircuts and many other services to those experiencing homelessness. Robert’s passionate, heart driven work is amazing and he is here to share more with us about what inspired him to create this organization and all that he hopes to achieve going forward.Donate Learn MoreFollow on Social Media:Cloud Covered Streets on Instagram

Destini McAlister is an author, wife, and mother of 3. She has a passion for advocating for vulnerable youth and adoptees. One of the ways she has recently accomplished this is by publishing her childhood memoir, “Set Free”, which outlines her turbulent childhood and shows readers what children from trauma need in order to become thriving adults.Born into a family saturated with generational trauma, Destini’s case file with child protective services began when she was only 7 months old. In her own words and unique perspective Destini shares her vivid and detailed memories of her experience navigating child abuse, kinship care, foster care and finding a future despite the broken pieces of her past. Through all the secrets, confusion, twists and turns of her complex childhood, Destini’s story is one of hope for trauma survivors and she is here to share with us her story and her message of hope. Learn more about Destini and her memoir "Set Free"Purchase "Set Free"Follow on Social Media:Destini McAlister

Prince Brathwaite is the founder and owner of Trooper Fitness, based in Manhattan and currently offering Virtual Group Strength and HIIT Classes. He is not only a highly motivational coach to his clients and team but he’s also a very inspirational and empathetic person who encourages a “Stronger Together” type of mindset. He is someone who has dedicated his life’s work to building others up and unifying people in his own unique way.I first learned of Prince when a friend of mine shared a video he had posted during the weeks that followed George Floyd’s death. I was so moved by his focus on empathy and his desire to bring people together.Prince is here to tell us a little bit about his work with Trooper Fitness but also to dive deeper into our current state of racial tension, speaking specifically to how he feels we can be stronger together. He is a highly inspirational and motivational guy with a great message! Trooper Fitness Follow on Social Media:Trooper Fitness Instagram Prince Brathwaite

Valeria Kechichian is the co-founder and CEO of Longboard Girls Crew, an organization that put female long boarding on the map. In the beginning, Valeria and her crew successfully got some international media attention and started not only gaining recognition for women but achieving a bigger goal: getting thousands of women around the world into the sport and breaking social stereotypes while doing so.Eight years later, Longboard Girls Crew has grown into the biggest community in the action sports industry and one of the biggest female communities in the world, acknowledged in more than 180 countries with official crews and ambassadors in more than 60.Valeria is an Argentinian born bad ass who now travels the globe working relentlessly to support and promote women through action sports – reinforcing the female role in the industry and in society in general, changing the existing perception of women and more importantly their perception of themselves.This conversation is full of empowerment and inspiration! DonateLearn MoreFollow on Social Media:Longboard Girls CrewLongboard WomenValeria Kechichian

Ryan Carroll is a Sayville, New York local and the CEO of Carroll’s Kitchen, a grass roots non profit charity. Ryan lost his job as a chef in NYC due to the closures of restaurants from Covid 19. Instead of staying home, Ryan sprung into action and assembled a team of over 30 of the best hospitality workers to help people across Long Island in a safe and organized manner. Ryan and his team have fed over 19,000 people in need since March of 2020. From front line workers, veterans, the elderly, children, police departments, fire departments and shelters. Ryan and his team are not just donating meals they are also saving small businesses as well. Ryan is running the kitchen at Bistro25 East in Blue Point and donating a portion of the profits to different charities. He has worked with over 20 restaurants on the south shore of Long Island to help people during these difficult times.Ryan is here with us to share more about the incredible and inspiring work he is doing!Make A DonationLearn MoreFollow on Social: Carroll's Kitchen Chef Ryan Carroll

You may remember Karen (formerly Millsap, now Karen Allen), as she was the very first guest on this podcast! Karen gave us a major dose of inspiration in our first interview and that is exactly why I wanted to bring her back to help us kick off Season 3.Karen is a resilience and mindset expert, motivational speaker, mom and author. As a growth and mindset speaker and coach, Karen is here to teach us how to pull ourselves out of unhealthy cycles to help us conquer both our personal and professional goals. After tragically losing her husband Richard, Karen has turned her pain into purpose and is doing endless amounts of good as she helps so many others to reframe their mindsets.Being that we are all living in a rather chaotic and stressful time right now, I know that Karen can help us reframe our own mindsets and give us the tools we need to try to stay focused on the positive while navigating all the stressors we are experiencing right now.Karen is here to help us move from hopelessness and overwhelming stress towards a more positive and balanced way of living and she says it all starts with a mindset shift.Get ready for a motivation and inspiration packed episode that will help give you all the tools you need to shift from stress to ease! Pre Order "Stop and Shift"!KarenAllen.coDigital DetoxBig Life Journal

Welcome back to Be The Good Podcast!