Guardian Gym: Nonprofit Jiu-Jitsu for All
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
Release Date: 09/02/2025
Small & Gutsy Features Film2Future, the Next Gen Filmakers
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
Rachel Miller, founder of Film2Future, joins Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff to discuss how her nonprofit is revolutionizing access to the entertainment industry for underserved LA youth. Rachel shares her personal journey, from discovering filmmaking at 16, to creating a comprehensive, completely free program that removes barriers to entry for talented teenagers from low-income backgrounds. The episode explores Film2Future's innovative hybrid model, industry partnerships, and the transformative impact on students' careers and lives. Key Topics Discussed Rachel's Background & Inspiration ...
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Small & Gutsy Features Burbank Arts & Education Foundation, bringing enrichment to Burbank
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
Join host Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff as she explores the vital role of arts education with Gavin Cho, discussing how the Burbank Arts & Education Foundation is working to ensure every student has access to quality education and enrichment programs. Key Takeaways: The merger of two long-standing educational foundations in Burbank created a stronger, unified approach to supporting students Twice-yearly grant programs provide crucial funding for innovative educational projects Student advocacy plays a central role in the foundation's success The foundation is expanding to offer college essay...
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Small & Gutsy Features Always Bev, Trusting Your Gut Could Save Your Life!
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff hosts a compelling discussion on the importance of intuition and personal safety with Barb Jordan, a safety expert and advocate. The episode explores Barb's personal journey, driven by family tragedy, to educate and empower individuals to recognize and prevent predatory behavior. Key Topics Covered: Barb's Background and Motivation: Barb's journey from being an elite athlete to a dedicated safety advocate. The murder of Barb’s sister, Beverly, as the pivotal event that inspired the founding of Always Bev. Recognizing Manipulation and Predatory Behavior: ...
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Small & Gutsy Features The Brain Aneurysm Foundation, the Importance of Early Diagnosis
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
In this enlightening episode, host Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff talks with Christine Buckley, the Executive Director and Board President of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. The episode delves into the complexities and risks associated with brain aneurysms, highlighting the critical nature of early diagnosis and proper treatment. **Key Discussion Points:** 1. **Understanding Brain Aneurysms:** - The brain's intricate role as an organ and the devastating impacts when an aneurysm occurs. - Statistical insights into the prevalence and rupture rates of brain aneurysms. 2. **Personal Stories and...
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Small & Gutsy Features The Nonprofit Cooperative, the One Stop Shop for Nonprofits
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
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Small & Gutsy Features Ambition: Empowering Youth toward Solution-Driven Thinking
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
Episode: AMBITION - Transforming Lives Through Power Not Pity Guest: Nancy Gale - Founder of AMBITION and JAMAH Luxury Handbags Episode Description: A powerful conversation about transforming lives through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the unique approach of "power not pity." Nancy Gale shares how she integrated cause and commerce through her luxury handbag brand JAMAH and nonprofit AMBITION, creating opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Key Topics Discussed: The integration of cause and commerce in business AMBITION's signature "You Don't Know About Me" program The power of...
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Small & Gutsy Features Initiate Justice, Educating those impacted by incarceration
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
The Intrinsic Philosophy of Change Change from Within: We believe that the most enduring and meaningful transformations arise from the people most impacted—those who live within the system and carry its deepest insights. Embedded Transformation: Change is not an external imposition. It becomes intrinsic—woven into the identity of the individual, group, or organization. It’s not just what they do differently; it’s who they become. Unlocking Capacity: Our role is to help unlock the door to internal wisdom. When systems are open and safe enough to explore their own truths,...
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Small & Gutsy Features MovingWorlds, the Global Platform for Connection, Mentoring & Success
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
This episode is about The Power of Connection: Giving, Learning, and Changing the World We live in a world where opportunities often come through connections — but not just any connections. The ones that matter most are built on trust, generosity, and shared purpose. Networking isn't just about knowing the right people. It's about being the right kind of person. Let me say that again; It’s about being the right kind of person The world changes one connection at a time — and that connection can start with you & Moving Worlds MovingWorlds operates a global platform that convenes...
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Small & Gutsy Features TechTainment™, the Confluence of Entertainment, Technology & Law
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
The conference is coming up on October 16th For more information and to purchase tickets to TechTainment™: Being a professor in the age of AI — particularly generative AI — is both exciting and deeply challenging. As educators, we recognize that technology is evolving at a pace with which, even seasoned technologists struggle to keep up. Students are increasingly tempted to let AI do the thinking for them, believing they’re being efficient when, in fact, they may be shortcutting the deeper learning process. Using AI tools like ChatGPT should not be about...
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Small & Gutsy Features MOOD, the Mental Well-being Tool for Tweens, Teens and All Who Love & Work with Them
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
How many times have I wished I could take those negative thoughts out of my head, those thoughts projecting a future that may not actually happen? This doesn’t mean that we don’t prepare for the worst, but do we want to live in that state or space where it virtually eliminates being in the present/ our present? How can we enjoy anything if we are always thinking about what might be? Conversely, thinking about what might be from a positive standpoint might actually be soothing, and yet again, it takes us out of the present, which is the only place that can drive our actions, as it is all we...
info_outlineWhat happens when you mix the love of Jiu-Jitsu and the love for community? Guardian happens! This podcast recording offers insight into how learning to manage our emotions through martial arts, and specifically through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has its own magical ingredients with real and lasting impact. Guardian was founded by Ben Kovacs and Joel Lunenfeld in 2015, initially starting as a single academy in Oakland, California. The original gym supported over 1,000 youth across the Bay Area by providing mentorship, free training, and a welcoming community. From the outset, they envisioned Guardian as more than just a physical space; they aimed for it to have a global impact. In 2020, they introduced the Guardian Scholarship. This initiative was designed to broaden their reach, offering support to children worldwide to engage in training. Leveraging their extensive network of friends and academy partners, they started integrating scholarships within their schools, ensuring that financial barriers would not prevent children from accessing their programs. Their goal is to enable more youth to experience the transformative benefits of Jiu-Jitsu. Ben is one of the founders of Guardian, where he has played a strong role in shaping the organization's branding and long-term strategy. His involvement in Jiu-Jitsu began in 2006 at Yamasaki Academy, and he earned a black belt in 2019. This experience inspired him to create a non-profit focused on making Jiu-Jitsu training accessible to all. Ben has a background in tech, having worked at Twitter, where he met Joel Lunenfeld, his co-founder. Both have been deeply committed to the sustainability & mission of Guardian.
For more information: www.guardiangym.org
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