Unleash Generosity

Aaron is pleased to be joined by a guest co-host for the first time! Herandy Lucas Pino joined Aaron for a wide-ranging interview with Adam Dickson.  Adam is the Director of the Langston Multicultural Center in Johnson City, TN. Adam is a well respected elected official, civic leader, and self-proclaimed "community gadfly."  He is a strong advocate for increasing diversity in predominantly white Appalachia and committed to sharing stories about African Americans in Appalchia. Herandy serves as an instructor and community liaison at the Langston Center working with Adam. She shares about her experience living in Johnson City as a Latinx Dreamer who recently became a college graduate.Subscribe to the podcast & learn more about Unleash Generosity at https://unleashgenerosity.org. Find us on Facebook,  Instagram, and Twitter.Rate or review on Apple Podcasts to help others find the show.Become a Patreon supporter and gain access to perks including early access to episodes, bonus episodes, and invitations to community conversations with other listeners and podcast guests. Thanks to my friend Daniel Couper whose music is featured on this episode.Show NotesHerandy Lucas PinoAdam DicksonLangston CenterAppalachian SoulJosh MancusoDEI AllianceBethel Christian Church-Jonesborough, TN Grace Temple Church Eternal Life Center-Johnson City, TNSt. Mary's Catholic Church-Johnson City, TNFirst Baptist Church-Jefferson City, TN Hopwood Memorial Christian Church-Milligan University, TNPioneer Grocery-Jonesborough, TNMilligan UniversityWJHL article about 2019 ETSU Regionalism Summit focusing on disparities in health, education, and economic opportunities

Welcome to part 3 of a 6 episode series exploring VALUES that can guide our individual lives as well as the cultures of our faith communities and organizations to be healthier. In this episode Aaron discusses Respect. Growing out of the first two values of Humility and Hospitality, Aaron suggests that embodying a posture of Respect with those we disagree with offers us the gift of having our views and ideas challenged. Aaron encourages listeners to intentionally get outside our comfort zones, seek out relationships that will stretch us, and find new voices to listen to. Subscribe to the podcast & learn more about Unleash Generosity at https://unleashgenerosity.org. Find us on Facebook,  Instagram, and Twitter.Rate or review on Apple Podcasts to help others find the show.Become a Patreon supporter and gain access to perks including early access to episodes, bonus episodes, and invitations to community conversations with other listeners and podcast guests. Thanks to my friend Daniel Couper whose music is featured on this episode.Show NotesMitch Stein with PondBrené Brown Unlocking Us Podcast with Aiko Bethea-Inclusivity at Work: The Heart of Hard ConversationsJamin Rathbun's Trinity Arts CenterThe DispatchDavid FrenchPreston Sprinkle's Theology in the RawRichard Rohr's Center for Action and ContemplationJemar TisbyDanté StewartTyler BurnsPropaganda (Prop Hip Hop)Tim OttoLuke WilsonColby MartinJackie Hill PerryMegan TschanzKate BowlerJamie IveyMarla TavianoBrie StonerKristin Kobes Du MezSarah HeathRachel SpearsAila MalikBecky EndicottAdam DicksonThe Langston CenterHerandy Lucas Pino

Pond is the most powerful, positive disruptor of the non-profit sector I've encountered in my time in the industry. Offering a marketplace where non-profits are paid real dollars to discover the best business and technology solutions in the industry, Pond is flipping the business paradigm on its head. I was truly humbled to be joined by Pond's Co-Founder and CEO Mitch Stein. Mitch shares about his entrepreneur journey and how his time serving on the Board of the LGBTQ Center of New York inspired him to launch this incredible tech startup.Digging into faith and spirituality, Mitch shares honestly about some of the harmful experiences he had growing up in the church as he became aware of his identity as a gay man. Mitch asks me a few questions as well, giving me a chance to share how my own Christian faith is continuing to grow and evolve.  We both lean into and reflect on the power of listening to the stories and experiences of others.Subscribe to the podcast & learn more about Unleash Generosity at https://unleashgenerosity.org. Find us on Facebook,  Instagram, and Twitter.Rate or review on Apple Podcasts to help others find the show.Become a Patreon supporter and gain access to perks including early access to episodes, bonus episodes, and invitations to community conversations with other listeners and podcast guests. Thanks to my friend Daniel Couper whose music is featured on this episode.Show NotesPond's website-joinpond.comMitch Stein on LinkedInThe Mom Test by Rob FitzpatrickThe Center-The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of New YorkPadrón & Co.-A Houston-based marketing and design company that redesigned the Unleash Generosity website

This bonus episode is a companion to episode 15 (Season 2 Episode 3) with Daniel Silliman, news editor for Christianity Today . Daniel's months of investigative journalism led to the revelation of sexual and emotional abuse by Christian apologist and founder of RZIM, Ravi Zacharias. In the bonus episode we focus primarily on Daniel's book, Reading Evangelicals: How Christian Fiction Shaped a Culture and a Faith.To access additional bonus episodes, early access to all episode releases, and invitations to join in Unleash Generosity community conversations, become a Patreon supporter. For as little as $3 a month you can support the show and enjoy these benefits along with my deep gratitude for your investment in the sustainability of the podcast.Subscribe to the podcast & learn more about Unleash Generosity at https://unleashgenerosity.org. Find us on Facebook,  Instagram, and Twitter.Rate or review on Apple Podcasts to help others find the show.Thanks to my friend Daniel Couper whose music is featured on this episode.Show NotesReading Evangelicals: How Christian Fiction Shaped a Culture and a FaithCT Article: Ravi Zacharias's Ministry Investigates Claims of Sexual Misconduct at SpasCT Article: Inside RZIM, Staff Push Leaders to Take Responsibility for ScandalCT Article: NDAs Kept These Christians Silent. Now They're Speaking Out Against Them

In the second of a six part VALUES series, host Aaron Scott discusses the posture of Hospitality.  This episode builds on the first value of Humility discussed in Episode 14 (Season 2 Episode 2).  The Humility conversation focused on the reality that none of us are perfect and we all need to learn and grow by listening to others experiences and perspectives. Growing out of the foundation of Humility is the key message of Hospitality: everyone is welcome and needed to show up as their full-selves.  Aaron connects the importance of welcoming everyone to show up authentically with the previous episode's interview with Daniel Silliman. Daniel's reporting for Christianity Today demonstrates the type of trauma and harm that can accompany cultures of silence in religious and non-profit organizations. While a posture of Hospitality does not guarantee we will all agree about difficult topics, ensuring we create cultures of honesty and accountability that rejects silence is essential to creating true inclusion and healthy belonging.Subscribe to the podcast & learn more about Unleash Generosity at https://unleashgenerosity.org. Find us on Facebook,  Instagram, and Twitter.Rate or review on Apple Podcasts to help others find the show.Become a Patreon supporter and gain access to perks including early access to episodes, bonus episodes, and invitations to community conversations with other listeners and podcast guests. This week, look for a FREE Bonus episode with Daniel Silliman that includes 30 minutes of additional conversation not included in Episode 15.Thanks to my friend Daniel Couper whose music is featured on this episode.Show NotesBrené Brown's Dare To Lead Podcast interview with Aiko Bethea-Inclusivity at Work: The Heart of Hard Conversations

Trauma, abuse, and violence in faith communities is a challenging topic because our spiritual communities should be safe spaces. Unfortunately, faith leaders are routinely being identified as abusers and ousted from their roles because of inappropriate behavior. In many cases, faith communities and non-profits are both failing to prevent abuse and actively trying to cover it up.For people of faith, regardless of our spiritual traditions or beliefs, we must wrestle with what it means when faith communities and organizations are the source of such trauma. We must ask ourselves and be willing to wrestle with hard questions. Today's guest is Daniel Silliman, news editor for Christianity Today . Daniel's months of investigative journalism led to the revelation of sexual and emotional abuse by Christian apologist and founder of RZIM, Ravi Zacharias.   Please be advised, mature content is discussed in this episode, including sexual and emotional abuse.We also discuss:Daniel's training as a historian with expertise in American Evangelicalism and his book, Reading Evangelicals: How Christian Fiction Shaped a Culture and a Faith  His involvement in Christianity Today's podcast, The Rise and Fall of Mars HillSubscribe to the podcast & learn more about Unleash Generosity at https://unleashgenerosity.org. Find us on Facebook,  Instagram, and Twitter.Rate or review on Apple Podcasts to help others find the show.Become a Patreon supporter and gain access to perks including early access to episodes, bonus episodes, and invitations to community conversations with other listeners and podcast guests.Thanks to my friend Daniel Couper whose music is featured on this episode.Show NotesReading Evangelicals: How Christian Fiction Shaped a Culture and a FaithCT Article: Ravi Zacharias's Ministry Investigates Claims of Sexual Misconduct at SpasCT Article: Inside RZIM, Staff Push Leaders to Take Responsibility for ScandalCT Article: NDAs Kept These Christians Silent. Now They're Speaking Out Against ThemCT Article: Sexual Harassment Went Unchecked at Christianity TodayCT Article: Safeguard Gaps Leave Refugees Vulnerable to Sexual Abuse, Exploitation Eerdmans Youtube Interview about Reading Evangelicals with Kristin Kobes Du Mezauthor of Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a NationEnglewood Review of Books Youtube Interview about Reading Evangelicals with David Kiger

Host Aaron Scott introduces Humility as the first of six core values that will be described throughout Season 2. Each of the other five values (hospitality, collaboration, respect, intentional engagement, and radical imagination) will be featured in an upcoming episode. Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about Unleash Generosity at https://unleashgenerosity.org. Get involved with the show by dropping me a DM or engaging with other Unleash Generosity listeners on Facebook,  Instagram, and Twitter.Please do a rating or review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts to help others find the show. Become a Patreon supporter and gain access to perks including early access to episodes, bonus episodes, and invitations to community conversations with other listeners and podcast guests.Thanks to my friend Daniel Couper whose music is featured on this episode.

Season 2 begins with Aaron sharing about his personal and professional journey over the last 18 months that included the break between seasons 1 and 2. Aaron then plays a segment of a sermon by Tim Ross titled Climbing the Mountains delivered at Hopwood Christian Church on 5/1/22. Reflecting on the sermon, Aaron casts a vision of what to expect in season 2 of the podcast including in-depth guest interviews and a six episode series on the following values: humility, hospitality, collaboration, respect, intentional engagement, and radical imagination. Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about Unleash Generosity at https://unleashgenerosity.org. Get involved with the show by dropping me a DM or engaging with other Unleash Generosity listeners on Facebook,  Instagram, and Twitter.Please do a rating or review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts to help others find the show. Become a Patreon supporter and gain access to perks including early access to episodes, bonus episodes, and invitations to community conversations with other listeners and podcast guests.Thanks to my friend Daniel Couper whose music is featured on this episode.Show NotesHopwood Christian Church Worship Service Livestream. Tim's sermon begins at 46:34.Richard Rohr Meditation on The Two Halves of Life Adapted from his book, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of LifeThe Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life by David Brooks

Season 2 of the Unleash Generosity Podcast will be available on Saturday June 11 on any of your favorite podcast directories or streaming services as well as on the Unleash Generosity website: https://unleashgenerosity.org/. Subscribe on the Unleash Generosity website or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss the in-depth interviews host Aaron Scott will have with faith and non-profit leaders, donors and community activists.Please do a rating or review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts to help others find the show.Get involved with the show by dropping me a DM or engaging with other Unleash Generosity listeners on Facebook,  Instagram, and Twitter.Support the show by becoming a Patreon supporter.For just $3 per month, Generous Listeners will receive: early access to episodes access to all bonus episodesFor $5 per month, Generous Community Members will receive:invitations to attend hybrid community gatherings to continue the conversation beyond the podcastearl access to episodesaccess to all bonus episodesFor $10 per month, Generous Partners will receive:the opportunity to co-host an episodeinvitations to attend hybrid community gatherings to continue the conversation beyond the podcastearl access to episodesaccess to all bonus episodesThanks to my friend Daniel Couper whose music will again be featured on Season 2 of the podcast.

As we enter the holiday season, we kick off a series of episodes focused on creatively mobilizing philanthropy. Three women, Claire Marr, Nancy Knight, and KC St. Louis share about why they've found participating in 100+ Tri-Cities Women Who Care to be meaningful. Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about Unleash Generosity at www.unleashgenerosity.org or find … Continue reading "Episode 12: 100+Tri-Cities Women Who Care-Guests, Claire Marr, Nancy Knight, and KC St. Louis"

Over the last decade the State of Tennessee has addressed a national challenge, staggering debt loads and equity gaps in accessing and succeeding in post high school education. A beneficiary of the program and current staff member, Ben Sterling, tnAchieves Senior Director of Content, shares how a program started in Knoxville grew into a state-wide … Continue reading "Episode 11: tnAchieves-Guest, Ben Sterling"

With election day upon us, Christian author, speaker, and peace and social-justice advocate Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove joins me to discuss faith and political engagement. In this episode, the second of a two part conversation, Jonathan shares about two New Monastic Intentional Christian Communities: the Rutba House, where he lives in Durham, NC, and the Simple Way … Continue reading "Episode 10: Poor People's Campaign-Guest, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove"

As we close in on election day 2020, Christian author, speaker, and peace and social-justice advocate Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove is my guest for an important conversation about the intersection of faith and political engagement. In this episode, part 1 of a 2 part discussion, Jonathan reflects on his roots in rural North Carolina, his Baptist upbringing … Continue reading "Episode 9: School for Conversion-Guest, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove"

Former Executive Director and current board member of Appalachian RC&D Council, Roy Settle, talks about his time with the organization as well as working with farmers as a USDA employee. We discuss connections between faith and spirituality and food production, stewardship, and sustainability. Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about Unleash Generosity at www.unleashgenerosity.org or find … Continue reading "Episode 8: Appalachian RC&D Council, Guest-Roy Settle"

How has Covid-19 impacted farmers and rural economic development in central Appalachia? Kathlyn Terry-Baker, Executive Director of Appalachian Sustainable Development, shares about the work of the southwest Virginia based non-profit and the perspectives of the growers and partners they work with. Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about Unleash Generosity at www.unleashgenerosity.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, … Continue reading "Episode 7: Appalachian Sustainable Development, Guest-Kathlyn Terry-Baker"

One of the biggest challenges facing marginalized people due to the Covid-19 pandemic is food insecurity due to loss of employment and increased social isolation. Longtime Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, Rhonda Chafin, shared how her organization operates and is responding to the spike in requests for assistance. Subscribe to … Continue reading "Episode 6: Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, Guest-Rhonda Chafin"

In response to the murder of George Floyd, a group of young activists in Johnson City, TN have formed the New Generation Freedom Fighters. I speak with a co-founder and board member, Taquan Hankins, about the goals of the organization. We also discuss his personal life, background, education, and hopes for the future. Subscribe to … Continue reading "Episode 5: New Generation Freedom Fighters, Guest-Taquan Hankins"

An expansive dialogue with Chicago based pastor Terence Gadsden, also known as hip-hop DJ Rock On. We discuss racism and racial justice in the Church, urban Christian community development, youth and college ministry and other topics. Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about Unleash Generosity at www.unleashgenerosity.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Show Notes Terence on … Continue reading "Episode 4: North Park University & Lawndale Christian Community Church, Guest-Terence Gadsden"

Episode 3 features Leslie Salling, the Director of Resource Development for the United Way of Washington County, TN. We discuss systemic poverty through the lens of the ALICE report that shows how many residents are at risk of falling into poverty as well as other challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Subscribe to the podcast … Continue reading "Episode 3: United Way of Washington County, Guest-Leslie Salling"

Episode 2 features an interview with Kiran Singh Sirah, President of the International Storytelling Center located in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Kiran discusses a number of topics including his own spirituality, the importance of investing in the arts and the humanities and the work of the Storytelling Center. Visit www.storytellingcenter.net to learn more about their work.  To listen to all episodes of the podcast or subscribe, visit www.unleashgenerosity.org

Episode 1 includes an introduction to the podcast and an interview with east Tennessee community leader and businessman Any Dietrich. Andy helped launch the Region AHEAD COVID-19 emergency assistance response fund to support small businesses across the Appalachian Highlands region of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. To learn more visit www.regionahead.com. To subscribe to the podcast visit www.unleashgenerosity.org