Crazy Good Turns

Hal Donaldson has a goal to feed a million children every day. And his organization, Convoy of Hope, is on pace to make it happen. In this episode, Hal joins us to discuss how he overcame tragedy early in life to found one of the world's biggest charities. He'll share what it's like to come face-to-face with Mother Teresa, and the powerful advice she gave him. And he'll explain the “secret sauce” behind Convoy of Hope and the good work they do around the globe. We invite you to share your feedback about this show with us on social media. We're @crazygoodturns on all of the platforms. Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on the podcast service of your choice. If you already subscribe, we'd really appreciate a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We appreciate your listening and sharing our episodes. Thank you! 

Just 5 years ago, Oklahoma State University and the Cherokee Nation launched a first-of-its-kind medical school.  The College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation is the first and only medical college to be founded on tribal land and linked to a native tribe. The school made history when its first graduating class of doctors received their degrees in May 2024.  Drs. Natasha Bray and Douglas Nolan are the Dean and Associate Dean of the school. They join us from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where they are helping a new generation of doctors learn to provide critical care — especially in rural and tribal areas, which are facing a dire shortage of doctors.  During the show you'll also hear from Megan Tramel. She's a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and a student at the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tahlequah. This month, in May 2025, she'll receive her degree and start the next phase of her journey as a doctor.  We invite you to share your feedback about this show with us on social media. We're @crazygoodturns on all of the platforms. Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on the podcast service of your choice. If you already subscribe, we'd really appreciate a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We appreciate you listening and sharing our episodes. Thank you! 

Each year, thousands of women give birth while in jail or prison. What happens to them, and their babies?  Amy Ard had been working as a doula (a caregiver for labor and delivery) for decades when she saw a prisoner who was in the hospital to give birth. Amy also saw a set of handcuffs hanging from a gurney, which said so much about the start of that prisoner's journey. That image led her to drop everything and take up the cause of helping incarcerated mothers and mothers-to-be.  Amy moved home, switched careers, and founded a nonprofit called Motherhood Beyond Bars. Today Amy's organization assists almost every infant born in the Georgia prison system.  Motherhood Beyond Bars provides support for those children, preparing them – and their mothers – for an eventual reunification and life together. We hope you'll enjoy our conversation with Amy. Stay connected to what she and her organization are doing by visiting motherhoodbeyondbars.org.  We invite you to share your feedback about this show with us on social. We're @crazygoodturns on all of the platforms. Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on the podcast service of your choice. If you already subscribe, we'd really appreciate a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We appreciate you listening and sharing our episodes. Thank you! 

Alle Amoroso is the founder of ROSE Women's Foundation, which helps impoverished women in Kenya learn how to launch and run small businesses. To date, the organization has launched more than 3,500 businesses — and lifted thousands of people out of poverty.  Allie shares:  The awakening that led her to quit her dream life of venture capital and startups  What toxic charity is, and what people can do instead  The incredible story of Grace, who went from house help to ROSE Women's Foundation operations manager  The life-changing business curriculum Allie is spreading through Kenya What Allie wishes she had known to prepare for explosive growth  Stay current on all of the great work Allie and ROSE are doing at https://rosewomensfoundation.org/ Let us know what you think of today's show on social. We're @crazygoodturns on all of the platforms. Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on the podcast service of your choice. If you already subscribe, we'd really appreciate a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We appreciate you listening and sharing our episodes. Thank you!   

Tom is the spokesperson behind Motel 6's TV and radio spots and their famous tagline: “We'll leave the light on for you.” His latest idea, HatchSpace, might be exactly what our world needs right now.  After all, Tom is more than a great baritone. He's lived a fascinating life — and now he's giving back in an excellent way.  In today's episode, Tom shares how he moved west from his Michigan hometown to become a carpenter in Alaska. Along the way - almost by accident - he became a radio personality and writer.   After relocating again to Brattleboro, Vermont, Tom launched HatchSpace. His work there is bringing people together and teaching them a powerful lesson: That making things together matters.  During our show, Tom shares:  Two human qualities that Tom believes set us apart from beasts in the woods How woodworking helps heal brain trauma, including addictions – and how it helped heal Tom What changes Tom has seen in his own community after creating HatchSpace The book that opened Tom's eyes to the importance of making things with his hands The Crazy Good Turn that saved his life   Stay current on all of the great work Tom and HatchSpace are doing at hatchspace.org.  Let us know what you think of today's show on social. We're @crazygoodturns on all of the platforms. Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on the podcast service of your choice. If you already subscribe, we'd really appreciate a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We appreciate you listening and sharing our episodes. Thank you! 

Leung is an award-winning business columnist and associate editor of the Boston Globe, as well as host of a Globe Opinion podcast called “Say More.”  She's also a working mom who struggled to keep up with work and home-schooling her kids during the pandemic. Her motivation and abilities suffered until she finally acknowledged the problem and asked for help.  After she regained her stride, Shirley dedicated herself to helping audiences understand burnout better. During our show, Shirley will discuss:  What burnout really is (it's not just being tired) Shirley's personal experience and how she recovered Practical tips to prevent or bounce back from burnout Surprising insights on multitasking (and why it may not help you) Heartwarming stories from her Boston Globe colleagues, including how they rallied for her during a health crisis. Let us know what you think of today's show on social @crazygoodturns. Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on Apple Podcasts so you can stay up to date on the good news, including future shows and book giveaways. If you already subscribe, please leave us a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We appreciate you listening and sharing our episodes with anyone you think will enjoy. Thank you!  

Crazy Good Turns listeners like you sent in more than 120 nominations of organizations that are helping others. In this show, we profile four of those organizations who were selected to receive a $10,000 grant. They are: Heart of Mary House, a hospice in the Nashville area that specifically serves patients who have nowhere else to go. Volunteer Rebecca Grunkemeyer nominated the group. You'll hear from her and organization founder Kim Derrick. Teens4Teens Help, a platform for teenagers who are suffering from mental or emotional health challenges. This nonprofit was founded by two parents, Jeff and Kathy Long, who created the help they wished they had when their daughter went through a tough time. They share the story. Joshua's Heart Foundation, a Miami Beach nonprofit doing two crazy good turns: fighting food insecurity and helping young people develop job skills and life skills. Founder Joshua Williams, who started the organization when he was just 4 years old, joins us. Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center, a ministry located on the Pine Ridge Native Reservation of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Located in South Dakota in the poorest county in the nation, the center is the only place many residents can go for basic needs. Pastor Dan Johnson explains. Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on Apple Podcasts so you can stay up to date on the good news, including future shows and book giveaways. If you already subscribe, please leave us a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We appreciate you listening and sharing our episodes with anyone you think will enjoy. Thank you! 

When Luther's daughter, Jane Lockwood, was just 5 years old, she was diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of muscular dystrophy.  Luther and his family resolved to do something about it. During the two decades since, they founded the McColl-Lockwood Laboratory and dedicated enormous resources to creating more effective treatments for the disease to help not only Jane, but thousands of others like her.  In this episode, Luther and Jane share their experience. Jane describes what it's been like to live with the disease – and how it hasn't stopped her from achieving her dream of enrolling in law school. Meanwhile, Luther gives insight to their global search for the best minds researching muscular dystrophy, and how that may be leading to new and effective treatments.  We're joined in this conversation by Frank's friend Larry Powell. Larry has been an inspiration for and informal advisor to our podcast for a long time. He suggested that we feature Luther and Jane's story, and we liked the idea so much we asked him to be a part of it.  Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on Apple Podcasts so you can stay up to date on the good news, including future shows and book giveaways. If you already subscribe, please leave us a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We appreciate you listening and sharing our episodes with anyone you think will enjoy. Thank you! 

We mark 1 year since the October 7 attacks by speaking with Dan Senor.  Dan is the host of ‘Call Me Back,' a podcast that is home to some of the most thoughtful and thorough reporting on the multi-front war Israel now faces. Dan's work provides a valuable service to all of us – especially to people like myself, and many other Americans, who have only a general understanding of the conflict.  Outside of the podcast, Dan is also a foreign policy expert, investor and author of two books about Israel, “Startup Nation” and, more recently, “The Genius of Israel.” That second book explores how things like national service and a sense of purpose unite the people of Israel, and seem to help them avoid modern maladies like addiction, depression and suicide.   Follow Dan on Twitter @DanSenor, or find more information about him at dansenor.com.  Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on Apple Podcasts so you can stay up to date on the good news, including future shows and book giveaways. If you already subscribe, please leave us a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We appreciate you listening and sharing our episodes with anyone you think will enjoy. Thank you!   

Jenn is the first woman to climb the “seven second summits,” or the second-highest mountain peaks on all seven continents – which are arguably even tougher to climb than the tallest ones, for reasons which will surprise you.  She is also a successful businesswoman, a mother of seven children, and the author of “BreakProof: 7 Strategies to Build Resilience and Achieve Your Life Goals.” During our interview, she'll share lessons to help you conquer the mountains (metaphorical or otherwise) you face in your own life.  Want to connect with Jenn? Text the word “Everest” to the number 33777. She'll send you a video of the Milky Way Galaxy going over Everest Base Camp. Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on Apple Podcasts so you can stay up to date on the good news, including future shows and book giveaways. If you already subscribe, please leave us a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We appreciate you listening and sharing our episodes with anyone you think will enjoy. Thank you! 

Alongside two African pastors, Justin founded Untold - a nonprofit that helps support the physical, spiritual, and mental health of those affected by AIDS and HIV in Eastern and Southern Africa.  During the past 17 years, their organization has helped more than 40,000 people let go of their stigma and embrace a more positive future.  Justin's story is especially impressive because his commitment began in college, and has remained steady ever since. In this episode, Miller describes how his organization assists more than 100 communities throughout Kenya, Tanzania and Africa. Hear his incredible story.   

In her new book "Morning After the Revolution: Dispatches from the Wrong Side of History," Bowles documents how she risked her career – and her friendships – by continuing to ask questions after being told not to.  As a reporter for the New York Times, Nellie tackled some of the most controversial topics of our times, from the George Floyd protests to Defund the Police to DEI. Her writing was fundamentally sympathetic to the causes, but also clear-eyed about where they may have gone astray. Nellie's approach of reporting, rather than advocacy, is increasingly rare in today's media. And the courage she showed by engaging these topics with an open mind is a crazy good turn.  Follow Nellie on Twitter @NellieBowles, or find more information about her at nelliebowles.com.  Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on Apple Podcasts so you can stay up to date on the good news, including future shows and book giveaways. If you already subscribe, please leave us a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We appreciate you listening and sharing our episodes with anyone you think will enjoy. Thank you!   

Stephanie was a stay-at-home mom struggling to make ends meet. Then her skill with coupons made her a national sensation. After helping millions save money, Nelson is paying it forward with a book, “Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential,” which aims to guide people with big dreams. And she's not stopping there. Nelson also is offering seed funding to those dreamers. She's giving away her book advance as grants to help people get their ideas off the ground.  In our conversation, Nelson shares her remarkable journey and the leap of faith that led her down this unexpected but crazy good path.  Find more information about Stephanie, her new book, and those generous grants at stephanienelson.com.  Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on Apple Podcasts so you can stay up to date on the good news, including future shows and book giveaways. If you already subscribe, please leave us a positive review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We appreciate you listening and sharing our episodes with anyone you think will enjoy. Thank you!   

Godin is a renowned entrepreneur and author of more than 20 books – including one that helped our host, Frank Blake, turn around Home Depot during his time as CEO. Frank starts the show by sharing an all-important passage from that book, and then kicks off a wide-ranging discussion around meaningful work, finding success through strategic quitting, and the art of creating opportunities for yourself and for others.  For more on Seth and his work, we encourage you to check out his podcast and blog.  Seth's Podcast: https://www.akimbo.link/ Seth's Blog: https://seths.blog/ Please stay tuned to Crazy Good Turns on social media. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazygoodturns/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crazygoodturns Thank you for listening to Crazy Good Turns. Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on Apple Podcasts so you can stay up to date on the good news, including future shows and book giveaways.  Your feedback means a lot to us. If you like what you hear, please leave us a positive review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We also very much appreciate you sharing our episodes and social posts with your friends, family, and anyone else you think will enjoy. Thank you!  

Travis Ellis joins Crazy Good Turns to talk about his fundraising efforts for the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Those efforts include a 684-mile run from Atlanta to Washington D.C. and then a journey twice as long from Boston back to their home down south.  Follow us on social media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazygoodturns/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crazygoodturns Thank you for listening to Crazy Good Turns. Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on Apple Podcasts so you can stay up to date on the good news, including future shows and book giveaways.  Your feedback means a lot to us. If you like what you hear, please leave us a positive review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We also very much appreciate you sharing our episodes and social posts with your friends, family, and anyone else you think will enjoy. Thank you! 

Walter Kirn is the bestselling author of “Up in the Air,” which became a smash hit movie starring George Clooney. Now Kirn is taking a risk on a longshot business that views America as one giant small town. And that's just the beginning. In addition to his writing, Kirn is a non-partisan political commentator who appears regularly on TV and in podcasts, including one of my personal favorite shows, “America This Week,” which features Walter alongside investigative journalist Matt Taibbi. In a society where algorithms decide what we do and don't see, and which feed us more and more of the same material, Walter is helping people discover new topics and viewpoints. I'm excited that you'll discover a little more about him through this interview. You can also connect with Walter on X: https://twitter.com/walterkirn Photo by Max Savage Levenson/Montana Free Press  

Dan and his brother Chip are the authors of several best-selling business books, including one that was highly influential for Frank Blake during his time as CEO of The Home Depot. Dan joins Frank to talk about the legacy of his first big book, "Made to Stick," and his new passion project, a podcast interviewing real people working real jobs that they love.  We'll discuss: The surprising story of how ‘Made to Stick' came to be  What Dan and Chip do to avoid sibling rivalry and work so well together as co-authors Dan's approach to identifying whether an idea is good or bad  What strikes fear into his heart as a writer  Dan's new labor of love, the What It's Like to Be podcast You can check out Dan's new podcast at https://www.whatitsliketobe.com/  

Trubek is an author, publisher and entrepreneur who's been the driving force being an independent book publisher since 2012. She blogs about her experiences on Substack at notesfromasmallpress.substack.com.  We'll discuss:  Why publishing is “slow motion gambling,” and how she manages to stay afloat How she finds new authors — including one who published her first book at age 70  A tragedy that turned into a Crazy Good Turn  

We asked listeners to tell us about groups and individuals making a difference in their communities. The response was incredible. We heard so many amazing stories about everyday heroes doing powerful work. It was no easy task, but we eventually narrowed the list for our award down to three organizations: Hearts & Hooves of Chattanooga, Tenn., Just Keep Smiling of Gardendale, Ala., and Joshua's Place of South Lebanon, Ohio. In this show you'll hear heartwarming stories from all three groups. And you'll find out who received an award.   

How to let go of ego and emotion and make the right choice, in seemingly small moments that matter far more than you think.

Holly is the founder of Indigo Volunteers, an organization that pairs people who wish to help with humanitarian projects needing assistance.  Since the refugee crisis of 2015 and 2016, Indigo has placed thousands of volunteers in camps across Greece, Serbia, Bosnia, Poland, and more.  Holly says she didn't know anything about how to launch or run a nonprofit at first. She just saw a need, and then she found a way to help. She's dedicated more than the past 10 years of her life to it. And she's had some incredible adventures along the way. She'll share them in this episode. We discuss:  Her firsthand experience learning how difficult - and expensive – volunteering can be.  How helping refugees has changed since COVID and the war in Ukraine.  What people don't understand about refugees. What it's really like inside of a refugee camp.   Why so many charities today are struggling to find volunteers.   How she's seen the best in people through her work – and the lasting impression that's left on her.  Follow Holly and Indigo Volunteers on Instagram at @indigovolunteers  

Kimi was a successful television producer working with the biggest networks, like CNN, NBC and Oprah. But a mountaintop revelation led her to leave it all behind. Today she's the voice behind what might be the world's first “one for one” charitable podcast. Her show features people who've survived terrible ordeals. In this interview, she shares the inspiring lessons she's learned from them. Follow Kimi's show on Instagram @allthewiserpodcast We discuss:  What makes a great story — and how to tell it well The overarching lessons Kimi has learned from her guests on the show Her work on the excellent documentary Gleason, which captures the experience of an NFL player battling against Lou Gehrig's disease — and which is I think just an outstanding tribute to human courage and faith The toughest story Kimi has ever told on her podcast And lastly, toward the end of our interview, you'll hear a special surprise we have for Kimi   

In a conversation made possible by listeners like you, Amy shares the story of how medical experts wrote off her son Jacob – but she refused to accept it. Instead, she gave up everything to help him. And along the way, she developed a method that's not only helped Jacob thrive, it today helps hundreds of other kids develop at their school, Jacob's Ladder.  Follow them on Instagram @jacobsladder407.   We discuss:  What happened on the day Amy walked off her job to care for Jacob full-time  How her work with Jacob started in the kitchen  The first child Amy assisted other than her own son (and how it grew to more than 4,000 kids to date)  The first thing children with neurodevelopmental disorders need  Jacob's life today  A story showing why hard things are worth persevering through  What keeps Amy from becoming exhausted  

In this unpredictable and fun conversation, Goff – who's a best-selling author and philanthropist – answers questions from you, our listeners. Along the way he explains how “air distracts him” and what he's learned to do fix that. Follow him on Twitter or Instagram @bobgoff.   We discuss:  Bob's journey from high-powered lawyer to popular speaker and writer.  Curious tactics for staying focused, including a countdown clock for your life.  What Bob learned from being 10,000 miles away from any other person.  The magic of “small beginnings,” and how you can do better at turning intention into action. 

Scott, a management expert who's led teams at Google and coached high-profile CEOs, shares a groundbreaking framework for delivering better feedback to others. Follow her on Twitter @kimballscott  We'll discuss:  How people in different generations can offer more candid and effective feedback to each other. The new realities of leading a team in the digital age, where every video call can become permanent record.  Why Kim is optimistic about the future, and thinks the class of 2020 might solve some of our most pressing problems.   

A high-profile executive coach, author and podcaster explains why generosity is a state of mind, and how you can shape a more generous life through observation and practice.   

His father's murder went unsolved. But Backmann did not give up. Today his organization, Project: Cold Case, assists families and keeps memories alive.

Gianni founded GiGi's Playhouse a year after her daughter was born with Down Syndrome.

What's it like to live with nearly a dozen dogs, 200 cats and an 800-pound rescue pig named Wilbur? Glad you asked.

Portman earned respect in Washington by working across the aisle to get things done. Tilow's organization supports families and communities in the fight against drug addiction. Together, they discuss a difficult issue.

Meet six people who did something extraordinary in the past year.

Writer and podcaster Jason Feifer transforms what he's learned into steps you can use to navigate through crises and change.

We're bringing back a recognition program where you can send a Thank You with a $50 Gift Card to someone you feel deserves to be celebrated. Learn more.

A year after the fall of Afghanistan, thousands of U.S. allies are still trying to escape the Taliban and certain death. Meet the Americans fighting to save them.

Donor Advised Funds are savings tools that had been reserved for the ultra-wealthy until now. Nash, a former LinkedIn exec, brings them to the masses. 

Todd's nonprofit 80,000 Hours helps new grads and experienced pros alike have greater impact by helping solve the world's most urgent but neglected problems. 

David Perell and Write of Passage graduates explain techniques for blocking out noise and nonsense and using the internet to improve lives.

The poet, author and philosopher takes questions from Frank and listeners, and offers some thought-provoking questions of his own for you to consider.

Must we face death to appreciate life? Survivor Kristi Nelson says there's a better way. Learn how to reduce regret and live a life of authentic gratitude.

Her study The Giving Code found a glaring discrepancy between the ultra-wealthy and needs within their own communities. Now this advisor is using her philanthropic expertise to help donors and nonprofits alike.

A top filmmaker and podcaster explains how storytelling helps us develop more awareness and appreciation of one another.

Frank Blake looks back on a leadership lesson and discovers a new meaning. How can you show gratitude when you don't know who to thank?

Outcomes over outputs: two fundraising consultants, Ted Grossnickle And Laura MacDonald, shed light on last year's charitable giving statistics and offer advice for the wide world of philanthropy.

After receiving her own “heartbreak in a box,” a Navy sailor founded an innovative service to easily send high quality care packages to deployed troops.

Sean Doherty is a leading venture philanthropist who helped create the T1D Fund, which makes equity investments in companies developing life-changing therapies to cure his son – and millions of others – of Type 1 Diabetes.

Fewer than half of states require financial literacy classes. Tyrone Ross Jr. is passionate about changing that, and expanding opportunities.

Karl Zinsmeister - a researcher, journalist, author, Domestic Policy Advisor to a president, and vice president of the Philanthropy Roundtable, shares some of the incredible history of philanthropy in America, and why our passion for generosity and freedom defines our country.  

Entrepreneur David Perell is teaching others to write online, share ideas, and build an internet audience to get ahead.

Morgan Housel is a partner and financial writer at Collaborative Fund and a former columnist at The Wall Street Journal as well as The Motley Fool.  This financial writer has unique takes on money, risk, greed, opportunity, and how decisions in the business world can be applied to so much more.

We need literature to understand life and feel our humanity. Dana Gioia, an award-winning poet, is dedicated to teaching and sharing the value of words.