Tanner's Impact Podcast

To speak from experience is a powerful force for the future. Celeste Edmunds, Executive Director of the Christmas Box International, does just that as she shares on this episode her personal journey from experiencing homelessness and foster care as a child to running an organization that defends and supports children who are abused, neglected, trafficked, or facing homelessness. She highlights the unique ways this great organization partners with others around the state to help these children in need.

 From One Orphanage to a Global Movement What started out as a project to help one or two orphanages, has now grown into a global effort to support and sustain orphanages and related services throughout the world. On this episode of the Impact podcast, Kent White, Executive Director of A Child's Hope Foundation, shares about his more than 20 year involvement with the organization as it has grown from several humanitarian trips to now scaling their global “Collective” network of diverse stakeholders working towards improving the lives of children in vulnerable situations. The Collective offers NGOs, care providers, and government officials an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and access resources.

Who Was the Mentor Who Changed Your Life? A caring mentor can change the trajectory of a life. On this episode of the Impact Podcast, we're joined by Jill Sundstrom, COO, and Sarah Abraham, Marketing Manager of Big Brothers Big Sisters Utah, to discuss the transformative power of mentorship. Hear how meaningful relationships help young people overcome challenges, unlock their potential, and achieve their dreams. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about the life-changing power of connection and support. Tune in now!

What's Your Switchpoint Moment? Have you ever made a decision that completely changed your path? In this episode of the Impact Podcast, we're joined by Carol Hollowell, Executive Director of Switchpoint, who shares with us the inspiring story behind this transformative organization. Switchpoint's innovative approach combines tailored services with participant-run enterprises to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty achieve self-reliance.

From Donuts to Housing: The Inspiring Mission of The Other Side Village What do housing, accountability, and donuts have in common? At The Other Side Village, everything! On the latest episode of the Impact Podcast, we talk with Preston Cochrane, CEO, and Robbie Myrick, Prep School Manager, about how this innovative organization is transforming lives. The Other Side Village goes beyond building homes—it creates opportunities for self-reliance and “whole person change”. Through resident-run ventures like The Other Side Donuts, they're fostering hope, growth, and sustainable impact.

Experiencing the outdoors and sports with a disability might just keep us indoors. On this episode of the Tanner Impact Podcast, Caitlin Bognoski, Director of Development, and Tracy Meier, Chief Program & Education Officer, share about how the National Ability Center breaks down the barriers through adaptive sports for individuals and families across the nation. Whether water, land, or snow sports, the National Ability Center gives new opportunities for almost anyone of any age with a disability to experience adaptive sports.

Traumatic neurological injuries can happen in an instant and may affect almost every aspect of an individual's life. Dale Hull, Executive Director of Neuroworx, discusses his personal journey that led to co-founding this world-class organization.  Neuroworx conducts its operations from a state of the art outpatient paralysis rehabilitation facility in Utah.  In this podcast you will learn about the holistic approach to treatment offered by Neuroworx and the remarkable ability of our brains to heal through neuroplasticity. 

In today's busy world, we sometimes take for granted the creative and inspiring art around us, whether it be paintings, dynamic displays, or even a customized “low rider” car. In this episode of the Tanner Impact Podcast, Derek Dyer, Executive Director of Utah Arts Alliance, explores the history and future of the arts in Utah. Tune in to learn more about the Utah arts scene and the positive impact of Utah Arts Alliance.

Have you heard that the Winter Olympic games are returning to Utah in 2034? This episode of the Impact Podcast highlights how the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation has been maintaining and preserving the venues from the 2002 games. Brennan Smith and Kole Nordman from the Organization emphasize how the facilities are accessible to everyone--whether you're new to a given sport or an up-and-coming Olympian--and how they are meant to inspire the Olympic spirit for all.

LOVE. Among the most powerful forces in the world. On this episode of the Tanner Impact Podcast, Tyler Bastian, Director of Roots Charter High School, shares how leading with love changes lives. Hear about Roots' unique approach to education and how they're changing the lives of youth who may otherwise not be in school. Roots integrates academics with real-life learning at their on-campus farm, fostering connections and supporting students through their formative years with an "unconditional love" approach.

Iconic entrepreneur Colby Bauer joins us on this episode of the Impact Podcast for a real and raw look at how his own mental health and difficult family journey led him to create the Carry On Foundation. Colby saw that the need for support, healthy coping strategies, and mentorship for our young people has never been greater. Tune in to hear how this deeply personal experience fuels Colby's strong desire to fill that need using his passion for skateboarding and action sports.

In Utah, many of us are passionate about exploring the outdoor world and find much happiness as we participate in recreational activities, especially in the magnificent mountains of the Wasatch Front!  In this episode of Tanner LLC's Impact Podcast, Don Webber, Communications Manager, and Eileen May-West, Program Director from Wasatch Adaptive Sports share with us how they empower people with disabilities to realize their potential through outdoor recreation.

Childhood comes with big emotions and rapid development, which can often be challenging for parents and kids alike. On this episode of Tanner LLC's Impact Podcast, Dr. Sheryl Goodey, Executive Director, and Jennifer Anderson, Associate Director, share how The Family Place Utah strengthens families and protects children in our communities through therapy, education, and a unique “kids place” program that offers free temporary care of children. Podcasters: Doug Hansen & Devan Romano

In a world where many of us are blessed with a circle of support during our toughest days, there are those on the Wasatch Front who often stand alone. Catholic Community Services (CCS) bridges this gap, becoming the beacon of hope and strength for the most vulnerable. CCS empowers them, lighting the path to self-sufficiency. On this episode of the Impact Podcast, Aden Batar, Director of Migration and Refugee Services; Courtney Schriever, the passionate Volunteer Coordinator; and Tony Sansone, Board of Directors share transformative tales of hope and resilience that define our community from St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall, Weigand Resource Center, St. Martha's Baby Project, and the highly impactful refugee foster care/resettlement initiatives. Podcasters: Doug Hansen & Devan Romano

"It is better a hundred guilty persons should escape than one innocent person should suffer."  -Ben Franklin. Imagine your first day sitting in a jail cell after being handed a multi-decade sentence and KNOWING you are innocent. Undoing this travesty of injustice is the heart and soul of Rocky Mountain Innocence Center (RMIC). As the innocence network affiliate covering the states of Utah, Nevada and Wyoming, RMIC is the only nonprofit organization in this region providing pro bono post-conviction innocence investigation and litigation services to those who have been wrongfully convicted.  Join us on this episode of Tanner's Impact podcast as Kristy Columbia, Executive Director, and Thomas Kelley, Staff Attorney, provide a glimpse into the world of investigating and overturning wrongful convictions.

Enriching, empowering and educating children and adults through quality and affordable preschool and day care services is the mission of our guests on this podcast, Jennifer Nuttall and Jennifer Bean of Neighborhood House (established in 1894!). Join us for an inspiring podcast where we deep dive into their transformative vision to provide resources and opportunities to create successful, happy, and healthy families. Podcasters: Devan Romano & Merry Osborne (sitting in for Doug Hansen)

When we think about strengthening our community, empowering youth, and improving access to nutrition, we might not think that the answer could be found in the garden. In this episode of the Tanner Impact Podcast, Georgina Griffith-Yates, Executive Director of Wasatch Community Gardens, discusses the positive impact they are having through community gardening and related activities.

Navigating the complex path to meaningful employment opportunities can be difficult for anyone, but for those with mental health disabilities or those who have struggled with homelessness or other economic hardship, it can be nearly impossible. Advantage Services, a Salt Lake City based nonprofit organization, was founded in 1992 with a mission of helping individuals experiencing chronic unemployment and other difficult challenges in their lives.  We hope you enjoy learning more about the positive impact Advantage Services is having on individuals and our community. Join Tanner Impact podcasters Doug and Devan for an insightful episode into this critical issue with Rob Ferris (CEO) and Jared Arvanitas (Operations Manager)!

Life can feel very overwhelming for parents of children with developmental disabilities as well as for the children themselves!  This is especially true as these children transition into adulthood and less programs are available to help and support them.  In this episode, we highlight a terrific organization, the Columbus Community Center, that has provided hope to these parents and their children for over 50 years by providing meaningful support, programs, and employment opportunities.  We are confident you will enjoy our conversation with Kristy Chambers (CEO) and Monica Owen (Chief Development Officer) as much as we did!

Leprosy has been affecting lives for thousands of years and was present even in the oldest civilizations; it has been a significant cause of fear, disability, and isolation for those within its reach. In this episode of Tanner's Impact Podcast, Becky Douglas, founder and current board member of Rising Star Outreach, shares with us how Rising Star Outreach is empowering individuals and families to rise above the stigma associated with leprosy and to live healthy and productive lives through quality education, medical care, and community economic development.

Patterns of disconnection can affect our identity, emotions, and physiological ability to connect with others. Lennie Knowlton and Jen Holmberg at Project Connection are on a mission to provide accessible mental health services and create a network of strong community partnerships to help individuals find, foster and celebrate connected lives.  Tune in as part of mental health awareness month as Lennie and Jen share more about removing barriers to mental wellness in our community!

Providing medical respite and end-of-life care for those experiencing homelessness” – That is the mission of Jill Olmstead and her team at renown Utah Non-Profit The Inn Between. Recovery from illness, preparation for medical procedures, and even end of life care are complex situations even with abundant resources, but imagine what the process would be like without caregivers, insurance, or a home. When the homeless among us are too healthy for a hospital but too sick to manage life on the streets, The Inn Between fills the void, providing loving dignity and instrumental medical support. Tune in as Jill shares the captivating story of the Inn Between and expands our vision of the experiences of those facing medical challenges and end-of-life needs in the face of homelessness.

Mental health is a critical part of our overall health, and is something that is greatly influenced by our experiences in our formative years. In this episode of Tanner LLC's Impact podcast, Rebecca Dutson and Joni Clark from the Children's Center Utah join us to share about their focus on children and their families on their journey to improved mental and emotional health. Your heart will be touched as you hear about the positive impact they are having on the children in our communities!

Nonprofit organizations make a huge difference in our communities! But who is helping them succeed? In this month's episode of Tanner's Impact podcast, Jill Bennett, Executive Director of Utah Nonprofits Association, shares their mission to unify, elevate, and strengthen Utah's nonprofits so they, in turn, can successfully build happy, healthy, and resilient communities.

Forever homes for homeless pets! That's the mission of today's Impact Podcast guest. From its humble start, Best Friends Animal Society has grown into one of the most recognized and respected nonprofit organizations in the country. Enjoy our heartwarming conversation with Francis Battista, Co-Founder and Board Chair, as he highlights accomplishments and the ongoing pursuit of a day when there are no more homeless pets!  

Impact Podcast: Educating a rising generation of philanthropists is a monumental and transformative mission. On the podcast today, we'll hear from Alex Eaton of Community Foundation of Utah on their ambitious - 100 YEAR goal to do just that! Tune in with Doug and Devan to see how Alex and UCF plan to meet the needs of Utah's many communities now while creating a legacy of care for future generations. This episode along with all previous Impact Podcasts can be found on our website tannerco.com

One in five children in the U.S. is sexually abused before the age of 18. Chris Yadon, Managing Director, and Abram Young, CFO and VP of Administration of Saprea, highlight how Saprea exists to liberate individuals and society from child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts. Tune in to Tanner's Impact podcast #8 to learn more about Saprea and how you can get involved in helping others in our communities. 

One in Eight Utahns are at risk of missing a meal every day. On this episode of Tanner's Impact podcast, Ginette Bott, President, and CEO of Utah Food Bank, highlights how they coordinate efforts throughout the state to meet the needs of hungry individuals and families. Tune in to learn more about the Utah Food Bank and how you can get involved in helping others in our communities. 

How do you protect the most vulnerable people in your life? In this episode of Tanner's Impact podcast, Jake Neely, Executive Director of the Malouf Foundation, highlights their efforts in preventing child sexual exploitation and in helping others to heal. Tune in to learn what you can do in your own sphere of influence to make a difference in this important area. 

Do you want to change the future? In our latest episode of the Impact podcast, we talk with Teri Nestel, President of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, about how they are changing kid's health and thus changing the future. Listen on iTunes to the inspiring stories of how this terrific organization is working with hospitals around the country to provide and research the best care for the next generation.  

Education Re-imagined. That is the vision of this month's Impact podcast guest Scott Pulsipher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Governors University (WGU).  WGU's innovative vision to build outside of tradition in this deeply entrenched field is a quintessential example of industry disruption. If you've ever wanted to do something in a new way, listen to his inspiring story of expanding the traditional university experience and breaking barriers to education for all.

What would you do if a friend or family member shared that they were struggling with housing, employment, or financial needs? On this episode of the Impact podcast, we meet with Jennifer Godfrey and Stacy Weight at Utah Community Action and learn about their efforts to bring the community together to empower and strengthen our friends and neighbors.

How often do you unplug and read? On this episode of the Impact podcast, we sit down with Dr. Galey Colosimo, who, with the students at Juan Diego High School, takes time each day to read a physical book. Tune in to this episode to hear about the influence of reading on young minds, among many other good things happening at Juan Diego.

Dave Durocher, the Executive Director of the Other Side Academy in Salt Lake City, recently joined us on our podcast. He shared with us the Organization's model of trust and his insights on building people.