Small & Gutsy Features Always Bev, Trusting Your Gut Could Save Your Life!
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
Release Date: 11/04/2025
Small & Gutsy Features EverWalk, the Key to Health is Walking
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
EverWalk is the brainchild of Diana Nyad and Bonnie Stoll, created to help all of us live longer, better, and healthier lives. Their mission and vision are to build community by walking side by side, leaving differences behind, and discovering the freedom that comes from striding together, instead of sitting hunched over a screen. EverWalk invites you to make the commitment to become your best self. Step outside. Look up at the magnificent sky, the strength of the trees, the beauty of the world around you, feel the rhythm of your own footsteps, and feel YOUR movement under YOUR own power, then...
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Small & Gutsy Features Indigo Arts Alliance
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff reflects on the power of Indigo Arts Alliance's approach to artist development. She emphasizes that the organization understands a fundamental truth: the creative mind is a creative mind. By setting the right place, environment, and tone, Indigo Arts Alliance enables artists to engage with each other, explore materials, work through processes, and grow together. She notes that this kind of mentorship and ongoing relationship-building is rare, even in other industries. Through their residency programs and network-building efforts, Indigo Arts Alliance is...
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Small & Gutsy Features Attorneys in Motion Foundation; A Beautiful Rags to RIches to Giving Back Story!
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
Michelle Etchebarren shares an inspiring journey from struggling single mother of four to founder of Attorneys in Motion, a groundbreaking legal tech company that transformed how law firms handle court appearances. But her story doesn't end there. At the ten-year mark of her company's success, Michelle founded the Attorneys in Motion Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and empowering women-owned law firms and businesses. The episode opens with a striking reality: women make up just 39.51% of the 1.3 million lawyers in the US, and only 27% of women who graduate from law...
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Small & Gutsy Features Two-Bit Circus: A True STEAM Carnival
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff welcomes Dr. Leah Hanes, CEO of Two-Bit Circus Foundation, to discuss how hands-on, experiential learning is transforming education for students across Los Angeles and beyond. After 13 years leading the organization, Dr. Hanes shares her personal journey from a student labeled a "slow learner" due to undiagnosed dyslexia to becoming a passionate advocate for reimagining how we teach creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. The conversation explores the Foundation's innovative programs—STEAM Labs, Makerspaces, STEAM Carnivals, and immersive learning...
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Small & Gutsy Features Home Again, LA - Supportive Home Search and Much More
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
One of the biggest travesties in our country is the number of unhoused individuals and families. Home Again LA is changing the narrative around homelessness by recognizing it as a situational crisis, not a personal failure. Through innovative partnerships with faith-based organizations, corporations, and community agencies, HALA has helped over 600 families transition from homelessness to permanent, stable housing while building resilience and hope. Albert Hernandez, CEO of Home Again LA, shares his personal journey from a family on the brink of homelessness to leading one of the most...
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Small & Gutsy Features The Farm Dog Rescue: Open Your Heart, Rescue A Dog!
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
In this episode of Small & Gutsy, Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff sits down with Keri Burgess, founder of The Farm Dog Rescue, and Nancy Zare, a dedicated volunteer foster parent, to discuss the critical work of dog rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible adoption in Martin County, Florida. The Farm Dog Rescue is a no-kill dog rescue organization that has made it a mission to rescue and adopt dogs, educate the community, and help animals in need. Beyond individual rescues, the organization is focused on addressing the larger issue of pet overpopulation through spay and neuter programs and...
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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...
info_outlineDr. 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:
- Real-life examples of manipulation and the subtle red flags that often precede violent behavior.
- Importance of trusting one's gut feelings and setting boundaries.
- The Mission of Always Bev:
- The organization's mission is to provide life-changing safety skills and awareness to prevent violence.
- Description of the workshops and the groups they target, including universities and corporations.
- Safety Skills and Awareness:
- Techniques for situational awareness and personal safety.
- Practical tips for recognizing manipulation tactics.
- Community and Outreach:
- How Always Bev uses word of mouth and community connections to spread its message.
- The impact of social media in creating awareness for personal safety education.
- Educational Programs and Workshops:
- Description of the kinds of workshops offered, catering to different demographics.
- The role of storytelling and real-life scenarios in educating participants.
- Future Aspirations:
- Barb's goals for expanding the reach of Always Bev.
- Desire to collaborate with influencers and celebrities to amplify the organization's voice.
Call to Action:
Listeners are encouraged to trust their intuition, remain vigilant, and consider participating in or supporting Always Bev’s programs. They can reach out via Always Bev's website for more information about workshops and to help spread the word about the importance of personal safety.
Conclusion:
The episode concludes with a heartfelt message on the power of resilience, leaning on one's intuition, and the transformative journey of turning personal tragedy into a purpose-driven mission. Barb Jordan stands as a beacon of hope and strength, encouraging everyone to take their personal safety seriously.
Listeners are invited to subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring stories and insights on nonprofits and social enterprises.
For more information about Small & Gutsy, check out the website: www.smallandgutsy.org