Advertise on podcast: I Was Told There Would Be Snacks: A Nonprofit Podcast

We all know our childhood shapes us, but what if the worst experiences actually make us better leaders? Dr. Sydne Taylor of Community Alliance for the Homeless shares the fascinating, counter-intuitive findings from her dissertation: that trauma and adverse experiences can actually strengthen a leader's moral foundation. We dive into what this means for developing stronger, more ethical leaders who are prepared to handle the messy reality of the nonprofit world.

You know the type: a well-meaning visionary with ideas that fly out faster than they can be implemented—the notorious "Tornado Boss." Our very own Kevin Dean is one, and his Operations Director/Chaos Coordinator Kate Moss from Tennessee Nonprofit Network is here to dish. Kate breaks down her survival guide for managing the big ideas, zero precision leader. Tune in for practical tips on grounding the whirlwind without crushing the creativity (and maybe get a little passive-aggressive inspiration for your next staff meeting).

Why does the word "merger" trigger immediate panic and whispered office rumors? Is it fear of losing our beloved letterhead? Is it ego? This week, we talk about why nonprofits run screaming from consolidation. But here's the shocker: mergers can be healthy! Kristen Davis and Rikki Harris of TN Voices share the honest, messy, and ultimately successful journey of their organizations becoming one. Prepare to have your fears, and maybe your office space, consolidated.

Your new favorite coworker might be a robot or maybe it's just trying to steal your job. This week, we dive into the most anxiety-inducing topic of the decade: AI. Expert Kela Jones explains how nonprofits can genuinely harness AI to make life more bearable (think less data entry, more mission time) while keeping the ethics in check. We promise to address the Terminator question, but mostly, we'll talk about how to get a bot to write your next office memo.

The moment the ED leaves, the board panics and immediately yells, "START THE SEARCH!" (Usually before updating their bylaws.) Stop! Before you invite a bunch of strangers into your house, you need to clean it first. Tanya Frey of Terra Firma Consulting is here to give you the "skinny" on the pre-search chaos you absolutely must tame. Learn why rushing the process is the fastest way to hire someone who will be looking for an exit strategy in six months.

They have a gatekeeper, they have quirks, and they often hold the purse strings: Family Foundations. They're not like institutional funders, and you're probably making their relationship a lot harder than it needs to be. Jonathan Scoonover of 1010 Strategies and Daniel Watson (formerly of Restoration House) dive deep into the unique cultures and unwritten rules. Learn how to stop getting in your own way and start building a real, lasting relationship. (Snacks not guaranteed, but highly recommended.)

We're finally tackling that buzzword-heavy concept of intentional fellowship, and yes, we promise not to be too snarky about it. Join Jen Bailey from the Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund as we move beyond awkward trust falls and mandatory, micromanaged fun to build genuine community. Learn how to create authentic connection among stakeholders without requiring everyone to hold hands and sing "Kumbaya" (unless they really want to).

Stop trying to make one report work for everyone! We know you love your data, but what makes your donor swoon might make your foundation frown. Amy Merritt Campbell and Jessica Gibbons of Elevate Consulting are here to help you translate your world-changing work into a language that actually gets results. It's time to ditch the jargon and master the art of the custom-fit story. Because sometimes, a chart is just a fancy picture.

It's time to talk to power, and no, you can't just slide into their DMs. Sabeen Perwaiz of Florida Nonprofit Alliance joins us to demystify the dark arts of legislative advocacy. We cover everything from how to get the meeting (without resorting to begging) to the crucial dos and don'ts once you're face-to-face. Learn how to be persuasive, professional, and — most importantly — how to avoid accidentally ending up on a "do not call" list.

Is your organization really ready for the three-ring circus known as strategic planning? Don't worry, we're not starting yet. Before you burn through the coffee and your board's patience, consultant John Bazzanella drops in to reveal the embarrassing, foundational homework you need to do first. Spoiler: it's more than just creating a bunch of bullet points and to do lists. Get ready to put the "plan" back into pre-planning, so you don't end up just... planning to fail.

We sit down with GoFundMe's Amanda Brown Lierman (VP for Policy, Engagement, and Impact) for a no-holds-barred conversation that begins with the nonprofit sector's recent frustration: the unauthorized creation of over a million fundraising pages that cost organizations time and lots of anxiety. Amanda addresses this controversy head-on, answering tough questions submitted by our members. While accountability is key, the episode also addresses the future of fundraising; with $40 billion raised for individuals and nonprofits, GoFundMe remains a major force. We explore how nonprofits can bridge the looming funding crisis by embracing peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising, specifically examining how Millennials and Gen Z give, the importance of social media conversion, and the strategy behind capturing the micro-donor. This is a crucial, honest, and sometimes hilarious conversation about holding allies accountable, protecting consent, and securing your organization's donor base for 2026 and beyond.

In our final episode, we're delivering a direct and inspiring call to action for board members everywhere. It's no secret that times are turbulent, and while we might feel like we're just using duct tape to hold everything together, board members play a more vital role than ever. We'll outline the crucial responsibilities and unique contributions that board members bring during periods of uncertainty, empowering you to lead with purpose and resilience. Tune in to hear from Anne Gingerich of Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofits, Mariane Asad Doyle of Center for Nonprofit Excellence in Virginia, and Jill Bennett of Utah Nonprofit Association as they inspire you to be a force for good—and share tips on how to use that duct tape to build something strong, not just hold together a mess.

Tired of the political division? We are too. It feels like everyone's shouting at each other, and your important mission is getting lost in the noise. This episode shows you how to rise above the fray and create a powerful, nonpartisan public policy agenda that can unite your board. Learn how to bridge diverse perspectives and build consensus to ensure your mission's voice is heard loud and clear in the halls of power, not just a whisper in the wind. Guests Danielle Clore of Kentucky Nonprofit Network and Marne Taylor of Oklahoma Center of Nonprofits will share their secrets to success and provide a blueprint for collective impact, proving that you can actually get things done without picking a side.

In a world full of "what-ifs" and "let's play it safe," we're here to tell you that sometimes, playing it safe is the riskiest move of all. This year, don't let risk aversion hold your organization back from seizing opportunities that could lead to growth and greater impact. We're tackling this common challenge head-on by offering practical advice to help you encourage courageous decision-making for your organization's long-term health. Joining us are Anne Hindery of Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, Diane Yentel of National Council of Nonprofits, and Ivan Canada of North Carolina Center for Nonprofits. They'll share how to push past the fear and embrace bold choices that will propel your mission forward—without jumping out of an airplane without a parachute.

A new administration is on the horizon, and with it comes a sea of political, financial, and cultural shifts. So how do you make sure your board doesn't get lost at sea? This episode is all about equipping your board members to be well-informed partners in advocacy and strategic decision-making. We'll share strategies to help your board understand the potential implications of a new administration, so you're not caught off guard when the legislative winds change. We're chatting with Diane Yentel of National Council of Nonprofits, Jim White of Nonprofit Association of Oregon, and Nonoko Sato of Minnesota Council of Nonprofits about the tools and knowledge you need to keep your board ahead of the curve and out of the deep end.