We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

Policies aren't just paperwork—they're culture in action. In this episode of Gather at the Well, Lindsey Fuller and Marisol Pineda Conde invite us to rethink how policies are created—and more importantly, who they're really for.Together, they pull back the curtain on their own journey from outdated handbooks to building intentional, people-first policies rooted in trust, care, and collaboration. With warmth, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart, they break down a five-step process that transforms policy-making from a check-the-box task into a powerful tool for psychological safety and team well-being.You'll hear stories, real talk, and tangible steps to design policies that reflect your values, center lived experience, and actually support the humans behind the work. Whether you're growing a startup, leading a nonprofit, or shaping culture in your school, this convo will leave you equipped—and inspired—to build better, together.You'll walk away with:A five-step process for policy creationHow to balance organizational needs with human needsActionable strategies for policy implementation Episode Highlights: Defining Human-Centered Policies (02:18)The Importance of Policies in Organizations (03:44)Identifying Policy Gaps and Needs (06:08)Feedback Mechanisms for Policy Development (10:06)Challenges in Implementing Policies (13:45)Opportunities for Policy Improvement (16:19)Accountability and Leadership in Policy (19:31)Roadmap to Human-Centered Policy Creation (25:51)✨ Affirmations:I am an attuned listener and a responsive leader.When we know better, we do better.Even if I feel overwhelmed to tackle policy creation, I can take the first step by noticing what's needed and asking for help.I'm not alone. I don't have to do this on my own.I honor that feeling. I know it will pass.I honor my overwhelm. This moment can pass.I honor my self-doubt. This feeling will pass.

When strategy feels like a moving target, how do you hold fast to what really matters?In today's episode, Ori Carmel shares how to hold fast to your true mission when everything feels uncertain, and how our quick decisions might be holding us back.

Meet Ali, the CEO of GreenLight Fund and former leader of Fresh Lifelines for Youth. He joins us to share how his lived experience fuels his commitment to equity-driven leadership and community transformation.

In this episode of our Hold Fast series, we're leaning into what it really means to lead with purpose—especially when the weight of funding pressures feels unrelenting. Iara Peng joins us for a heart-opening conversation that invites nonprofit leaders to breathe a little deeper and reimagine funding as a partnership, not just a transaction.With compassion and clarity, Iara offers a vision for building trust-based relationships rooted in alignment and shared purpose. You'll walk away with practical ways to pause the hustle, reclaim time for strategic thinking, prioritize fewer but better-aligned funders, and lean into storytelling as a spacious, powerful tool. It's the reminder we all need: you are already enough. Your work matters. And there's a more intentional, more human way forward.

Sustainable leadership is not about being identical—it's about being aligned.In this episode of Gather At The Well, co-leaders Lindsey and Marisol pull back the curtain on the real work of co-leadership—what it takes to align, recalibrate, and lead with intention. They share how they've built a leadership model rooted in alignment, trust, and professional authenticity at The Teaching Well. From weekly syncs and systems audits to somatic check-ins and tough conversations, they offer practical tools and honest reflections on what it takes to lead together with intention. You'll hear how they navigate misalignment, build psychological safety, and stay grounded in shared values without sacrificing individuality.This is a masterclass in shared leadership, psychological safety, and critical hope—rooted in love, truth, and a belief that we are stronger when we lead together.Tune in to hear:

In this special episode of our Hold Fast series, we're bringing you a replay from our March members-only meetup featuring nonprofit legal and operational powerhouse, Scott Curran.As the former Chief General Counsel for the Clinton Foundation, Scott has navigated massive change and complexity — and he joined us to help you do the same. In this timely conversation, Scott walks us through the essential operational steps every nonprofit should be taking to prepare for a period of federal upheaval and uncertainty.We cover everything from accounting and legal, to HR, leadership development, and board structure — with actionable takeaways you can put into practice right away. It's grounding, insightful, and exactly the kind of clear-headed guidance we all need right now.✨ Want to be part of conversations like this in real time? Join our membership for just $30/month and never miss a member meetup again.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi

Today, instead of our regular episode, we wanted to share an episode from a podcast hosted by Tulaine Montgomery, the CEO of the venture philanthropy New Profit. She's also a dear friend, a We Are For Good podcast alum, and brilliant thought leader we trust and follow to lead with conviction and heart. In Say More with Tulaine Montgomery, she talks to people who are dedicated to making the world a better place, all while taking care of themselves and supporting each other. While she normally interviews changemakers, she also records solo episodes where she looks back at her previous interviews. How we can undertake challenging work as changemakers while also savoring the beauty of relationships, laughter, and joy? In this episode, Tulaine explores the joy in changemaking: why it's important and how to sustain it. Tune in.

The world is changing—fast. As a nonprofit leader, how do you hold fast to your mission when everything feels uncertain? In this episode of our new Hold Fast series, we're joined by Brooke Richie Babbage, founder of Bending Arc Consulting and host of the Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast, to break down what real resilience looks like in practice.Brooke introduces her powerful framework for building a resilient organization—one that doesn't just survive uncertainty but thrives through it. She shares the three core elements of resilience (Strategic Clarity, Capacity, and Capital) and walks us through her 4-step process for designing organizations that are strong, adaptable, and built to last.If you're leading a small team with limited capacity, feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty, or struggling to scale your impact, this episode is for you. You'll walk away with practical, actionable steps to stabilize and grow your organization.Plus, Brooke's “One Good Thing” will change the way you think about resilience in your daily work.Tune in to learn: ✅ What resilience really means for nonprofit organizations ✅ How to build clarity, capacity, and capital—even with a small team ✅ A step-by-step approach to designing a resilient, high-impact nonprofit ✅ How to move from feeling stuck to executing with confidenceLet's build something that lasts. Listen now.

How do we stay steady when we need it most?In this episode of Gather At The Well, Lindsey explores what it means to hold fast — to your values, your purpose, and your inner knowing. Through grounding somatic practices, personal reflections, and the rhythms that keep her team at The Teaching Well aligned, she offers a framework for leading with clarity and care.This episode is full of tools to help you slow down, tune inward, and lead from a place of steadiness. You'll walk away with: 

Everything is changing - fast. How do you hold fast to your mission while so much is uncertain? We'll be exploring this question at ImpactUp: Hold Fast this Thursday 4/10 from 10:00 - 2:00 CST with expert panels, a powerful workshop, and live coaching with legal, marketing, fundraising, and leadership experts. Bring your pressing problems and leave with a plan.To kick off our week and help us get grounded, Jennifer Mulholland, Co-Principal of Plenty joins us to share a 10 minute guided meditation. Come back here to recenter when feeling overwhelmed or stressed. As Jennifer teaches, "The more we choose ease, the more life meets us with ease."The world needs resilient changemakers—now more than ever. We Are For Good's ImpactUp is here to help you navigate uncertainty, unlock funding, and lead with clarity.Join us this Thursday from 10:00 - 2:00 CST for ImpactUp: Hold Fast. Register for FREE today. Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi

What does it mean to truly center community in philanthropy? Meet Rachel D'Souza, Founder and Chief Purpose Officer of Gladiator Consulting.

Meet Tes

When the weight of the world feels nonstop, slipping into survival mode can feel like the only option. But what if there's a different way—one that's rooted in honesty, resilience, and real, grounded hope?Welcome back to Gather at the Well, hosted by Lindsey Fuller, Executive Director of The Teaching Well. In this episode, Lindsey dives into the practice of cultivating critical hope—a powerful mindset that helps human-centered leaders stay resilient and rooted amidst change.Join us for Episode 2, as Lindsey breaks down ways we can hold space for challenges while still believing in possibility. Think: duality declarations, everyday rituals to re-center your mindset, and showing up with truth and compassion. You'll walk away with tangible strategies to cultivate hope as a daily leadership practice. Live now

Meet Maggie

Meet Beth, Founder of Beth Saunders Associates and creator of MapMoveMeasure—a practical framework that helps nonprofits build stronger, lasting relationships with supporters.

Meet Caylee, Co-Founder and Executive Director of RestoreOKC. Caylee joins us to share how she and her team have taken a radically different, community-led approach to addressing complex, systemic issues in their city. It's a powerful case study on how data can be a helpful tool (but not the driver), how grassroots programs are transforming access to education, jobs, and housing, and how meaningful partnerships are key to lasting change.

It's easier to disengage with your work culture, release expectations, and vent about your dissatisfaction. What's harder, but more rewarding, is being part of a morale turnaround effort. ❤️ Collective care is the way forward.Welcome back to Gather At The Well, hosted by Lindsey Fuller, Executive Director of The Teaching Well. This conversation and series is a call to collective care, inviting us to build work cultures we don't have to heal from. Join us for Episode 1, as we explore the power of human-centered leadership to create thriving, sustainable work cultures. Lindsey shares concrete strategies for operationalizing your values, elevating "culture keepers" on your team, and implementing policies that retain top talent. Live now

Meet Bellamy.

We are so thrilled to share that Gather At The Well - a limited series in partnership with our friends at The Teaching Well produced by We Are For Good Studio is back! Every other week - right here in the We Are For Good podcast feed, you can gather with us at this well, as we learn from Lindsey Fuller, the Executive Director of The Teaching Well. This new 11 part series is all about creating human centered policies and building resilient organizations in the face of uncertainty and change. This isn't just a podcast series—it's a movement to reimagine how we relate to our work. And I think you'll love it as much as we do.It's time to build work cultures we don't have to heal from. Now here's a glimpse of what's to come in this series - Episode 1 Launches Next Wednesday

Meet Hali, the Founding Partner of Radical Strategies, founder of Asian Women Giving Circle and co-founder of Donors of Color Network.

Our Dear Friends,Today, we're wrapping up our social impact trends that matter series on the podcast. But our hope is that what starts here—ripples.Through convos with incredible change-makers on this series, we've uncovered insights that have truly shaken us. From the power of community to be the multiplier, to owning your authentic narrative, to the rise of the change-leader. These ideas have the potential to breathe new life into you and your mission.We know the world feels heavy, but as our friend Sixto Cancel reminded us, "If you're struggling, you already know the answer." The solutions lie within you and your community. You have the light the world needs.So we're inviting you to lean in, get inspired, and take action. Don't just listen—try these trends on, test them out, and see what unlocks for you this year. And reach out and let us know what you're seeing + how you are putting these ideas into practice.Ep 1: Community is the Multiplier. (Floyd Jones)Ep 2: Simple Shifts on Repeat. (Adam O'Brien)Ep 3: Own Your Narrative. (Dr. Tim Lampkin)Ep 4: Redefine Impact Measurement. (Ori Carmel)Ep 5: The Rise of the Change-Leader. (Lindsey Fuller)Ep 6: We Need Your Light. (Jeff Shuck)Ep 7: Fuel Young Generosity. (Manuela Testolini)Ep 8: Advocacy is Non-Negotiable. (Sixto Cancel)Ep 9: Navigating Uncertainty, Embracing Change + Unlocking Your Impact (Jon and Becky)We're in this with you friends. Don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@weareforgood.com - what content + resources would help you most right now? We don't have all the answers, but we're committed to gathering the experts and tools to help you meet this moment. Can't wait to see the change we create - together.With hope,Jon & BeckyPS - huge thank you to our friends and partners at iDonate for helping bring this series to life. Episode Shownotes: Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi

Meet Sixto, the Founder of Think of Us and a nationally recognized leader.

Meet Manuela, the Founder and President of In A Perfect World.

Welcome back to the 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter Series!

Welcome back to the 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter Series!

Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi

Meet Dr. Tim Lampkin, founder of the economic justice org Higher Purpose Co. We're in our 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter Series, and Dr. Tim is here to share how we can own our narratives this year.

Welcome back to the 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter series!

Meet Floyd

Join us on 1/23 for ImpactUp: MULTIPLYJoin us on January 23rd for ImpactUp: MULTIPLY, a dynamic virtual gathering by day and in-person local meetups by night - happening around the world. If you're looking to grow or start a movement, or deepen the community engagement of your mission - this day is for you. Head to weareforgood.com/impactup to sign up for free today. Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi

Today, we're doing something a little different. Instead of a typical interview, we're taking a pause. And inviting you into a collective One Good Thing.Good is the foundation of progress, and the fuel for movements. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we're reminded that good isn't passive; it's a choice. It's choosing love over hate, justice over complacency, and action over indifference.So today, instead of a regular podcast episode, we want to leave you with a simple challenge: Do one good thing for someone. It doesn't have to be grand or complicated. It could be checking in on a friend, volunteering your time, buying the coffee for the person behind you in line, or simply smiling and saying hello to someone you cross paths with today. Small acts of kindness have the power to ripple outward and create waves of change. We're so glad you're here. ❤️Give: The King Center + LA Fire ReliefVolunteer: Idealist.org - is a great place to start to find a way to take action or volunteer your time.Read: Discover how forward-thinking nonprofits and foundations are transforming communication strategies for building trust, fostering inclusion, and creating impactful connections in a new article series from SSIR and The Communications Network.Watch: The Story of MLK as told by Kid President (it's 3.5 minutes of joy AND education

Meet Jean-Claude. He's the President and CEO of Digital Promise, a nonprofit focused on shaping the future of learning through cross-sector collaboration

Meet Abby. She's a social entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate for purposeful learning at any age ❤️. In this powerful episode, Abby shares her journey of letting go, stepping into the unknown, and redefining her path—offering invaluable lessons for anyone facing change or seeking purpose.In 2024, Abby launched The Flight School to transform the post-high school transition into a bold rite of passage for emerging leaders. Through her insights on mindfulness, generosity, and personal growth, Abby is reshaping how the next generation learns, leads, and launches into the world. This conversation will leave you inspired to approach your own transitions with clarity, resilience, and a sense of adventure. We hope you enjoy

Meet Rebecca. She's a fearless educator, strategist, and community builder shaking things up from SoCal to Costa Rica

Meet Payal. She's an organizational psychologist, empathy advocate, and founder of RK Empathy. For nearly two decades, Dr. Beri has empowered leaders, communities, and individuals to connect on a deeper level, helping us see that we have more in common than we often realize. She's on a mission to break down the divisions that separate us and build stronger, more connected communities

Lindsey Fuller joins Jon + Becky in this episode to wrap up the transformative Gather at the Well podcast and look back on the past year. Together, we reflect on the power of microdosing wellness to spark meaningful change — both personally and within our organizations. Tune in for a conversation where we navigate the messy middle of balancing personal growth with organizational transformation and fostering vibrant, sustainable teams. Let's step into 2025 with renewed energy and purpose.

"I could have kept it a secret. I could have let my fear and anxiety dictate my behaviors. But instead, I want to leave some of the baggage at the door and complete this experience through my nervous system." –LindseyAre you prepared for the moment hate calls?In this powerful bonus episode of Gather at the Well, Lindsey opens up about a deeply personal and unsettling experience — receiving a violent, harassing phone call. Lindsey walks us through her process of emotional regulation, and the practical steps she took to protect herself and her team.Having a plan — and a strong support system — is essential. This episode introduces the "Continuous Replenishment Cycle," a practical framework for navigating crises with self-care, emotional grounding, and community support at its core. Lindsey also shares the three components of a crisis and safety plan - prevention, intervention, and postvention - and shares specific policies and practices her organization has implemented.Begin designing your safety plan. Keep yourself and your people safe. Fortify your organization, so you're ready to take action and respond instead of react. We're your partners and we have your back. ❤️Episode HighlightsTone-setting and Lindsey's personal experience (1:00)Somatic practice (5:00)The Continuous Replenishment Cycle (CRC) (6:00)Knowing your support system (9:00)Designing a crisis and safety plan (14:00)Affirmations (18:15)Homework (18:55)Critical Hope: It's so easy to go on this pendulum swing of either being reactive or inactive. Slow the swing. Do the work. Get in your body, your brain, and stay in your values. Then get ready to take action that way you're responding and not reacting. (22:20)For more information + episode details visit weareforgood.com/episode/when-hate-calls.Connect with The Teaching WellWebsite / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / Facebook Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi

Meet Amit. She's a brilliant marketer and is Head of Marketing at GoFundMe. She's joining us for an insightful discussion on how social media is revolutionizing the way people discover, share, and support causes

Meet Courtney. A fierce advocate and changemaker bringing comfort, connection, and care to families fighting cancer. At just 23, she turned her pain into purpose, founding Culinary Care after experiencing firsthand the impact of a meal during her dad's battle with lung cancer. Fast forward 11 years, and her Chicago-based nonprofit has delivered over 40,000 free meals spreading hope, easing loneliness, and creating a sense of belonging

Meet Jeff.  Early on, he knew he wanted to protect the planet—and he's stayed true to that mission as Director of Sustainability at HelloFresh

What is it like to work in professional contexts across difference?In this final episode of our series, Lindsey explores how microdosing wellness can be an antidote to hostile work environments, particularly for marginalized groups. She shares personal experiences navigating racial and ethnic identities as an educator and outlines The Teaching Well's journey to becoming a pro-black and queer-safe organization. It's time for organizations to meet this moment, and this episode highlights the need for empathy, action, and aligning organizational practices with values to foster truly inclusive workplaces. It's a data-driven investment to actualize your desire for workplace well-being. Tune in now ❤️Episode HighlightsMicrodosing Wellness + DEIJ work (2:00)Stats + the importance of retaining diverse talent (2:30)Somatic: Grounding and Breathing Practice (6:00)Racial Battle Fatigue and Seeking a Different Way Forward (11:00)Lindsey's personal experiences as an educator facing racial microaggressions and hostile work environments (14:00)Case Study: The Teaching Well's concrete actions to become a pro-black organization (22:00)Affirmations (26:00)The importance of empathy and action in DEIJ work, rather than sympathy and shame (32:00)Critical Hope: Wellness is anti-racist, and when we resource ourselves, we can do wonders. (38:35)For more information + episode details visit weareforgood.com/episode/microdosing-on-the-margins.Connect with The Teaching WellWebsite / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / Facebook Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi

Meet Ryan. He's redefining courage as the ultimate competitive advantage for any organization, leader, or brand ready to embrace it.  As the founder of Courageous, Ryan helps teams turn bravery into action—liberating those who feel stuck, scared, or playing it too safe. Plus, he's the founder of Sock Problems, an altruistic sock company on a mission to “sock” the world's problems

Meet Meredith. She's the co-founder and CEO of Learn Grant Writing, and she's helped secure over $45 million in grants

Meet Dr. Tim. He's the founder and CEO of Higher Purpose Co., a nonprofit driving economic justice for Black communities in Mississippi. He's sharing all about their transformative work in community education, business support, and innovative capital access. They're building intergenerational wealth, shifting harmful narratives, and empowering community voices through strategic collaborations with major funders. This convo is a must-listen for anyone fired up about creating equitable, lasting change in their community

How do you respond to uncertainty? How do we microdose wellness in the face of a macro event? In this episode, Lindsey offers a framework for navigating uncertainty with grounding, resilience, and a focus on collective care. You'll hear the pitfalls of reacting versus responding, the power of trauma-informed practices, and the importance of prioritizing self-care before engaging with the world. It's a roadmap for leaders and teams to weather any storm while staying true to their values and mission. Because in the end, the way to freedom is choosing each other, communicating and collaborating across differences, and staying resourced enough to access our innovation.Episode HighlightsNavigating Uncertainty (1:05)Reframing Perfectionism and Self-Compassion (06:55)Profile of the public instead of me, we, the world (4:00)Somatic: Compost perfectionism (08:55)Understanding Trauma Responses (13:30) Projection vs. Reflection in Leadership Communication (17:50)Somatic: Ocular Reset (22:05)Creating trauma-sensitive containers: consistency, predictability, and caring relationships (28:25)Pro-social pauses (33:00)Embracing curiosity (37:00)Affirmations (38:25)Homework (38:50)Critical hope: Be a rabid fan of yourself, of your self-care, of your stability. Heal out loud, but do so in mindful ways. Lean on community and trust into the fact that you joined this work because you wanted to make a difference. (39:00)For more information + episode details visit weareforgood.com/episode/navigating-uncertainty.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi

Meet Sarah and Angie. These visionary leaders from Sunbeam Family Services in Oklahoma City are sharing how they've woven trauma-informed, strength-based principles into every part of their org. From rethinking fundraising and storytelling to centering community relationships with intentional language and deep listening, they're showing how nonprofits can truly build a culture of care (that's filled with hope!). Tune in to discover how to embed these transformative principles into your own work.

Meet Laura. She's the visionary behind LottoLove—the lottery where everyone wins. It's a first-of-its-kind way to make giving more joyful and accessible through scratch-off tickets

Meet Sarita and Martín. Sarita is the VP of U.S. Programs, and Martín is the VP of International Programs at the Ford Foundation. They're pulling back the curtain on the Ford Foundation's work that disrupts inequality in all its forms. Get ready as they dive deep into their journeys, the values shaping their work, and the innovative strategies they're using to build impactful coalitions across the U.S. and around the globe.

This episode of Gather At The Well focuses on operationalizing your values - making sure your stated beliefs are actually reflected in your policies and practices.

Meet Sudha. She's the Executive Director of the South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS), an org that's been a lifeline for immigrant and underserved communities in New York for nearly 25 years. SACSS offers free, wrap-around services (in 20 languages!) covering housing, food security, healthcare, job skills, and more, all evolving to meet the changing needs of the community. Tune in for a story of resilience, hope, and community strength

Meet Shelley. She brings 30 years of experience leading entertainment and tech businesses to the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship, where she serves as CEO. Shelley shares how the foundation is redefining financial and entrepreneurial education with storytelling, engaging games, and innovative tools. From creating business plans to building productive habits, these resources make learning about money fun and accessible for all ages.