Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart

Small & Gutsy offers our listeners the opportunity to learn about the smaller, less known nonprofits and social impact organizations with revenues under $10 M. Our aim is to bring their stories to life, celebrate them, and further build their client, potential employee, volunteer, and funding networks. The goal of the Small & Gutsy podcast is to raise the visibility of this Big little social impact sector. Tune in as we interview a different organization so you can learn about them, maybe find a job, volunteer, or donate.

Small & Gutsy Features Film2Future, the Next Gen Filmakers 11/18/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Film2Future, the Next Gen Filmakers 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 Discovered filmmaking by chance at age 16 during a community service event Interned for legendary producer Deborah Hill Taught public school in Manhattan and witnessed firsthand the economic divide affecting students' opportunities Founded Film2Future in 2016 to address systemic barriers to entry in Hollywood The Problem Film2Future Solves Film school costs $80,000+ annually, with additional expenses for equipment, portfolios, and tutoring Industry leaders struggle to find "qualified, diverse candidates" ready to work The real issue: lack of accessible pathways for underserved youth, not lack of talent Solution: Start in high school so students are career-ready by 18 The Film2Future Model Completely free program providing computers, Wi-Fi, headphones, backpacks, supplies, food, and transportation Hybrid approach: remote learning + in-person days at partner companies (Disney, Sony, etc.) 25-30 student cohorts recruited from across LA County's most underserved schools No portfolio required for application; focus on creativity and point of view Four Core Programs Animation Live Action Filmmaking Emerging Technologies (VR, podcasting, gaming) Advertising Life Skills Integration Financial literacy Resume writing and LinkedIn development Professional communication and email etiquette Networking and pitching skills Interview preparation Success & Impact 140+ paid internships and production assistant roles 225+ students served since 2016 $2+ million in college scholarships earned Alumni hiring other alumni, creating sustainable career pipeline Notable success: Student with physical disabilities received a full-ride to NYU Tisch after creating the award-winning short COVID-19 Innovation First production up and running during the pandemic Created proprietary tech pods and safety protocols Shot five shorts with zero infections Demonstrated organizational resilience and adaptability Key Takeaways Diversity in entertainment isn't just about goodness—it's better for business and creativity Removing barriers at the pipeline level (high school) is more effective than trying to hire diversity later Life skills training is as important as technical skills in the entertainment industry Building community among students creates sustainable mentorship networks Multiple ways to get involved with nonprofits beyond monetary donations Resources & Contact Website: YouTube: Film2Future Channel (to view student shorts) Instagram: @Film2Future Contact: Available through website Guest Bio Rachel Miller is the founder of Film2Future and, founding partner of Haven Entertainment, a production and management company. She's also an executive producer on Netflix's "Devil in Ohio" and has sold 28+ manuscripts to publishers. She speaks regularly at UCLA, NYU, AFI, and international film festivals about diversity in entertainment. For more great Small & Gutsy Episodes: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/39054655

Small & Gutsy Features Burbank Arts & Education Foundation, bringing enrichment to Burbank 11/11/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Always Bev, Trusting Your Gut Could Save Your Life! 11/04/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Always Bev, Trusting Your Gut Could Save Your Life! 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: 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 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: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/38886005

Small & Gutsy Features The Brain Aneurysm Foundation, the Importance of Early Diagnosis 10/28/2025

Small & Gutsy Features The Brain Aneurysm Foundation, the Importance of Early Diagnosis 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 Advocacy:** - Christine shares touching personal stories of individuals affected by brain aneurysms, emphasizing the unpredictability and severity of the condition. - The importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. 3. **Advancements in Treatment:** - How modern advancements have made treatments less invasive and more efficient. - The ongoing challenge of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. 4. **Foundation Initiatives:** - The Brain Aneurysm Foundation's role in research, advocacy, and education. - The "Scan to Save" initiative is designed to improve early detection and healthcare provider education. 5. **Impact of Education and Awareness:** - Strategies to increase awareness and understanding of brain aneurysms among the public and healthcare professionals. - The importance of sharing information through social media and community outreach. 6. **Challenges and Future Goals:** - The need for more widespread awareness and support to prevent rupture-related fatalities and disabilities. - Christine’s vision for a world free from the dangers of brain aneurysms and the continuous effort to secure research funding. **Call to Action:** Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast episode, follow the Brain Aneurysm Foundation on social media, and help spread awareness about the signs, symptoms, and importance of early detection of brain aneurysms. **Links and Resources:** - [Brain Aneurysm Foundation Website]() - Social Media: [Facebook](), [X](), [Instagram](), [LinkedIn] () [YouTube]( For more Small & Gutsy episodes: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/38798400

Small & Gutsy Features The Nonprofit Cooperative, the One Stop Shop for Nonprofits 10/21/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Ambition: Empowering Youth toward Solution-Driven Thinking 10/14/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Ambition: Empowering Youth toward Solution-Driven Thinking 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 storytelling in transformation Access and exposure as key game changers for youth Breaking down barriers between different socioeconomic groups The importance of hard work and passion in achievement Teaching marketing and entrepreneurship to youth The story behind acquiring the domain name Notable Quote: "If you can show how the angst and anger are going to help us solve the problem, I will out-angst and out-anger you any day." - Nancy Gale Key Highlights: AMBITION's unique approach combining entrepreneurship education with personal development The two-semester program structure: personal narrative development followed by marketing skills Success stories of students' transformations The integration of JAMAH luxury handbags with AMBITION's mission The importance of teaching youth to present challenges with "power not pity" Resources Mentioned: Website: Program: "You Don't Know About Me" initiative Impact Metrics: The program serves primarily juniors and seniors in high school 16 years of operation Expanding through partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs Guest Bio: Nancy Gale is the founder of AMBITION, a nonprofit organization providing entrepreneurial education to disadvantaged youth, and JAMAH, a luxury handbag brand. With 25+ years in the fashion industry, she pioneered an innovative business model integrating cause and commerce. Her approach focuses on empowering youth through access, exposure, and real-world business experience. Contact Information: Website: Email: Call to Action: Visit to learn more about the program Consider volunteering as a mentor Support through donations or purchasing merchandise For more podcast episodes, please visit: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/38560575

Small & Gutsy Features Initiate Justice, Educating those impacted by incarceration 09/30/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Initiate Justice, Educating those impacted by incarceration 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, remarkable growth becomes possible. Inside-Outside Strategy: This approach may take more time, but it yields outcomes that are more just, more fair, and more permanent. It’s not about quick fixes—it’s about cultivating sustainable evolution. Collaborative Discovery: We don’t bring answers—we help uncover them. Our work is grounded in trust, curiosity, and the belief that every system holds the seeds of its own renewal. 🔄 Reimagining Justice Through Inclusion and Education 1. Centering Lived Experience Formerly incarcerated individuals and their families could become educators, facilitators, and policy advocates. Their insights would inform alternatives to incarceration—like restorative justice circles, community accountability processes, and trauma-informed care. 2. Ownership and Responsibility Programs could focus on personal accountability not as punishment, but as a path to healing and growth. Participants might co-create curricula on conflict resolution, emotional literacy, and civic engagement. 3. Advocacy and Policy Innovation The organization could train impacted individuals to become policy advocates, speaking directly to lawmakers and the public. Campaigns might push for sentencing reform, abolition of cash bail, or investment in community-based safety initiatives. 4. Community Healing and Reconciliation Families of incarcerated people could lead healing dialogues between communities and institutions. These conversations could address harm, foster empathy, and build bridges between victims, offenders, and society. 5. Economic and Social Empowerment The organization might offer job training, entrepreneurship support, and education tailored to those reentering society. This would shift the narrative from “ex-offender” to “community leader.” For more information: For more Small & Gutsy podcasts: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/38416510

Small & Gutsy Features MovingWorlds, the Global Platform for Connection, Mentoring & Success 09/23/2025

Small & Gutsy Features TechTainment™, the Confluence of Entertainment, Technology & Law 09/15/2025

Small & Gutsy Features TechTainment™, the Confluence of Entertainment, Technology & Law 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 replacing critical thought or original research. It’s about enhancing the learning journey, not skipping it. While these tools can assist in discovery, ideation, and even structure, they cannot substitute the human insights that come from struggle, context, collaboration, and lived experience. That’s why I challenge my students to think critically: What happens when the sources AI provides don't match course materials? What if AI misses the nuances, the legal precedents, or the emerging ethics in a topic? The danger is not just in misinformation — it's in the erosion of personal accountability and intellectual depth. This exact tension — between innovation and integrity — is what makes events like TechTainment™ so necessary. The intersection of technology, entertainment, and the law is a rapidly evolving space filled with complex and often controversial issues. There are a multitude of issues at the intersection of these areas. I am going to name a few, but my guest today has knowledge and depth that will convince you not to miss the upcoming 1-day TechTainment™ event. So, here goes: 1. Intellectual Property (IP) Challenges Piracy & Copyright Infringement Digital content is frequently shared illegally through unauthorized streaming and file-sharing platforms, causing major revenue losses. AI-Generated Content Legal ownership of AI-created art, music, or video remains uncertain. If AI uses copyrighted inputs to generate new outputs, is the result derivative, transformative, or something else entirely? Remixes, Memes & Fair Use Social media culture thrives on remixing existing works. However, the boundaries of ‘fair use’ are unclear, leaving creators legally vulnerable and platforms uncertain about enforcement. 2. AI and Deepfakes Fake Celebrity Content Deepfakes and voice cloning enable unauthorized, misleading, or defamatory representations of public figures—often used in fake ads, explicit content, or political misinformation. Consent & Image Rights There’s a growing legal and ethical concern over the use of a person’s likeness, voice, or performance without their consent, especially in AI-generated content. Legal Lag The rapid advancement of generative AI and deepfake technologies has outpaced existing laws, creating enforcement gaps and legislative uncertainty. 3. Streaming & Distribution Rights Global Licensing Issues Rights to distribute content differ by region. Streaming platforms face legal complexity in acquiring and managing these rights across jurisdictions. · Residuals & Fair Pay Creatives (writers, actors, directors) are demanding transparent compensation models for streamed content. This has led to major labor actions (e.g., 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes). · Windowing Conflicts Studios and platforms debate how long content should remain exclusive to one service before being released elsewhere — impacting revenue models and consumer access. 4. Content Moderation & Censorship Platform Liability Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch must balance free expression with moderating harmful content. Legal responsibility for user-generated content remains a contentious issue. Freedom of Speech vs. Harmful Content Legal systems struggle to balance free speech rights with the need to curb misinformation, hate speech, and online harassment. Government Regulations Laws differ by region 5. Privacy & Surveillance · Data Collection Entertainment platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube gather extensive user data (viewing habits, preferences, location, device usage). The ways this data is analyzed, monetized, or shared with third parties remain legally ambiguous and often undisclosed. · Facial Recognition & Biometrics Increasing use of biometric technologies in entertainment spaces—such as facial recognition at concerts, stadiums, and theme parks—raises major privacy concerns. There's a lack of clear legal guidelines around consent, storage, and misuse of biometric data. · Children’s Privacy Platforms aimed at children must comply with strict regulations like the Children’s Online Privacy Protections 6. Content Ownership in the Creator Economy Platform vs. Creator Control: Platforms like YouTube, TikTok and others often control monetization and visibility algorithms, limiting creator autonomy. Copyright Takedowns & Abuse 7. NFTs & Digital Ownership · Fraud & Scams Copyright Confusion Emerging Legal Areas to Watch Generative AI law Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Laws Content moderation laws Digital labor rights Smart contracts & blockchain in entertainment The primary issues revolve around intellectual property rights, data privacy, platform regulation, AI ethics, and compensation for creative labor. As technology outpaces regulation, legal systems are constantly playing catch-up — often with high-stakes consequences for creators, companies, and consumers. It’s about thought leadership and responsible innovation. It’s about ensuring that human value — ethical reasoning, creative spark, legal foresight — isn’t lost in the digital noise. Our country is at a crossroads, and events like TechTainment™ are more than just conferences — they are forums for the future. As educators, professionals, and creators, our job is not to reject AI but to ensure we don’t outsource our judgment, our integrity, or our creativity. Let AI and other innovative technology be tools — but let us be the ones who drive its purpose. The conference is coming up on October 16th For more information and to purchase tickets to TechTainment™: A huge thank you to Trope & Trope Law Group, protecting your IP Assets worldwide, for generously supporting this episode! For more Small & Gutsy episodes, check out our website: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/38227430

Small & Gutsy Features MOOD, the Mental Well-being Tool for Tweens, Teens and All Who Love & Work with Them 09/09/2025

Small & Gutsy Features MOOD, the Mental Well-being Tool for Tweens, Teens and All Who Love & Work with Them 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 actually know. I remember sitting on my bathroom floor as a high schooler in hysterics, breaking up with my then boyfriend, and suffering because I couldn’t face hurting him, and the idea of loss was just overwhelming due to the early losses that I had experienced in my own family. How I would have benefitted from the comfort of knowing that others suffer too and perhaps if I had had our featured organization’s App, I would have certainly managed better or at least been in the great company of others who had experienced loss - my reaction may have been over exaggerated, but it was because I had experienced early losses - what I didn’t know then and know now is that often a previous loss can be triggered by a current loss although the two seem completely disconnected - that would have perhaps allowed me to grieve my relationship without feeling crazy. Mental health is an incredibly complicated topic. So many of us have had experiences either personally or with our children; no one wants to see their children in pain, and emotional pain is often frightening, because it’s hard to find the source of the pain as compared to physical pain, and emotional or psychological injury is often invisible. We understand when someone is in physical pain, but we often blame the individual for being in emotional pain. Raising children is tough, all that goes into daily schedules, etc. now, let’s complicate the typical with a complex world, access to more information that can have negative impacts, biological changes and we can have tweens and teens in pain without the benefit of always knowing how to manage it or letting them know that they are not alone as so many others go through similar anguish. Why isn’t that taught in schools? Mood’s goal is to put free, fast and effective mental health tools into the hands of every tween & teen, ages 9-17 and for the adults, teachers and providers in their world, enabling them to build skills and resilience through fun and engaging content - Where were you when I was a teen and even as a young adult and parent? Their website is fun and their mood tools are practical coping skills that are easy to understand and use. The Mood tools are proven stragteties designed to help tweens and teens bring their feelings into managageble bite-sized mood moments rather than gigantic, scary floods of emotion that feel never-ending. I am also incredibly impressed that Mood has an advisory board filled with tweens and teens who bring innovative, creative ideas that are inviting to their cohort. For more information, go to: And for additional information on all the podcasts: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/38138340

Guardian Gym: Nonprofit Jiu-Jitsu for All 09/02/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Helping Herders Rescue, a nonprofit podcasting story with heart 08/19/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Helping Herders Rescue, a nonprofit podcasting story with heart In this nonprofit podcast story, I share about a personal experience and then tap into the beauty of matching rescueres with rescues! I am not sure who rescues whom! I don’t know about you, but I think about dog rescue as a really wonderful thing to do although it has its challenges; our dog, Molly is a rescue and I guess that she was not just abandoned, but abused, she probably had a set of puppies and we think was about 2 or 3 when we adopted her. I have never seen a dog eat as fast as Molly - you could feel the trauma in her frenzy as she inhaled her bowl of food - she’s only 12 lbs and she can eat. I’m guessing because she can’t talk that she’s thinking this could be her last meal. She is a love & simultaneously a heartache when you witness this fear in her approach to eating and pretty much everything else. She’s a challenge because she pees literally wherever she wants - hence few rugs in our house since she tends to like soft spots, but anywhere will do if she can’t get herself outside, and even if she can but feels something is in the way, she will resort to a way of life that is based on having lived outside, hence eat whatever you can find and pee wherever is convenient - she is fear-based and survival-based - I can’t say I blame her. She is now 12 1/2 years old and sadly, still eats as if she will never get another meal, eats whatever she can find outside, and has the most blood curdleing scream when anyone touches her backside or even when something, even a leaf brushes up against her without her knowledge- we’ve all gotten used to it over the years and it is only when a visitor comes over and she screeches with panic, that the visitor feels like she’s stepped on her and our response is always, Molly, you’re fine. I remember when we first got her and she would only go to our dog, Max, 2 years her senior - he seemed safe to her and thank goodness loved her - they became two peas in a pod and when a stranger would come by as long as Max would go up to the stranger with a sense of safety or comfort, would Molly follow. Her trauma has stayed with her and yet, I know in my heart that she is comforted by the life we’ve given her and that she knows she is wanted and loved - animals sense when you want to comfort them - they can be challenging when they have been in a world of pain and mistrust and we are asking them to trust us - in some ways, that’s like people - the more consistent I am with Molly, the more relaxed she generally is. Yet, that loud-pitched, blood-curdling scream is something she will never give up. My guest today will share much more, but in reading about herders, I can see why the matching process has to be so targeted to ensure both a happy foster dog and a happy foster home. Here are a few interesting things to note if you are considering fostering or adopting a herder. Herders specifically Border Collies can clear a 5+ foot fence and are known as escape artists - my guess is that they may be escaping if their owner isn’t nearby as they tend to be very attached to their owners and become anxious when the owner isn’t present; they have a great deal of energy and are often misperceived as stubborn or even neurotic, and difficult to train due to their sensitive nature and desire to be connected to one person versus being part of a family. Some of these reasons are why many Border Collies are abandoned at shelters and elsewhere. Hence, the need arose and was filled by 3 women who joined together to start Helping Herders Rescue. Helping Herders Rescue’s mission is to match herders to humans in Southern California; they are a foster-based program dedicated to helping dogs recover, prepare for a family, and find great homes. This is particularly challenging with herding breeds, and they are often misunderstood. For more information, check out their website: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/37869535

Small & Gutsy Features Grief Dialogues, a nonprofit podcast story with heart, depth and soul 08/12/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Grief Dialogues, a nonprofit podcast story with heart, depth and soul This podcasting story will resonate with anyone who is still living and wants to fully embrace life. There are plenty of words in the English language that are disdainful, hurtful, nasty, & downright awful, but there are two words that are unavoidable and from which we often run: death & dying - no one enjoys grief, sadness, or loss - those words are so dam final! When I was in social work school, I read Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s book aptly titled On Death and Dying, seminal work at that time. Kubler-Ross introduced what is known as the 5 stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance; a 6th stage was more recently added by a colleague of Kubler-Ross’, David Kessler, Finding Meaning. It turns out that this concept may have been in Kubler-Ross' initial model, but her editor told her to remove it, as 5 stages are better than 6, although, as anyone who has experienced grief knows, this is not a linear process. One incredibly gifted creator, producer, and writer decided to take on this subject, but not as a passive project, but a fully engaging, head-on discussion to move us, make us think, and maybe make us less afraid of the inevitable. Grief Dialogues: The Experience brings timely conversations about death, dying, and grief to the stage in innovative, humorous, and touching ways. Part theatre, part therapy, this “edutainment” love that creative name, project began in 2016 with an open call for short plays and was developed from nearly 200 submissions. The original performance was composed of 6 short plays from playwrights across the country. It is a thought-provoking and honest look at the subject of death that invites audiences to reconsider some of the rhetoric and stigmas around the topic. As one of my guests shares: Theatre is the great empathy generator, and out of grief comes art. Grief Dialogues is also committed to offering accessible and affordable training in compassion for health care providers, counselors and therapists, end-of-life specialists, funeral homes, and at-home caregivers. Let's Write a Musical was born out of this concept of 'out of grief, comes art.' A Musical About Love, Loss, and the Power of Storytelling. A joyous celebration of the power of love and an ode to classic musicals. A heartfelt and inspiring journey that follows David Hamilton and his wife, Lucy (based on Ben and Lawrie), as they write a romantic comedy in the wake of David’s cancer diagnosis. As their real-life challenges unfold, so does the story of Olive and Blake, a young couple in the 1950s navigating love, laughter, and misadventures. For more information, check out their website: Tickets for Let's Write a Musical are on sale now: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/37767325

Small & Gutsy 100th Episode of podcasting nonprofits and social enterprises 08/01/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Young Mountain Tea Company 07/08/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Young Mountain Tea Company Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, second only to water. It comes in many varieties: black, green, white, oolong, and herbal. Tea is celebrated for its health benefits, from antioxidants to its calming effects, and it continues to play a major role in global culture and commerce. In recent decades, tea has experienced a revival in interest, with a growing market for specialty teas, such as artisanal blends, organic teas, and matcha. The modern-day global tea market is vast, and tea continues to evolve as both a daily beverage and a symbol of tradition, health, and innovation. It can solve 3 key problems, particularly in the Himalayas: Urban migration - young folks are moving to megacities in search of work which fragments the family and drives unsustainable urban growth Land degradation - abandoned farmland due to the fragmented family deteriorates into unusable dirt Climate change - increased droughts and floods trigger catastrophic landslides Tea is one clear solution: Tea creates rural jobs and reverses urban migration Tea revitalizes wasted farmland and is an anchor crop for biodiversity Tea leaves drink CO2 which gets stored in their roots and removed from the atmosphere Tea is a gender economic equalizer - And the outcome of what my guest has started is aligned with many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Their Vision is to create a sustainable future for and their families. Their Mission is to partner with Himalayan communities to raise the quality of their tea, so and raise the quality of their lives. Young Mountain Tea partners with farmers in North India to get a new factory up and running. Tea farmers, 90% being women, will launch their region’s first community-owned tea factory. This factory will be a blueprint for a model of sustainable change in the tea industry, eventually throughout the Himalayas and the world. Building A Sustainable Future For Himalayan Farmers And Their Families is truly a social enterprise. For more information, go to: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/37308590

Small & Gutsy Features Tools for Peace 06/10/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Tools for Peace Finding inner peace is a process that leads to a practice; there are important rituals that guide us in self-discovery. Derived from the Sanskrit word for “circle”, the Mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. It is a sacred art form that connects us to our inner selves and the world around us. Their profound wisdom and tranquil messages, serve as a powerful medium to contemplate and find peace within. Mandalas are typically circles with repeating symmetrical shapes, and are considered a sacred symbol. In Sanskrit, mandala translates to “sacred center” or “circle.” Mandalas symbolize harmony and unity, and represent that everything is connected. Pema Chodron, the incredible American-born Tibetan Buddist and ordained nun who is soulful and wise shared, “Each person’s life is like a mandala – a vast, limitless circle. We stand in the center of our own circle, and everything we see, hear, and think forms the mandala of our life.” I love that imagery. One organization has discovered that bringing in the concept of inner peace through an evidenced-based curriculum using the Mandala as a cornerstone enables youth to build and strengthen their capacity to manage stress and conflict in new ways, giving them lifelong skills that serve to build a more compassionate society. Building that society begins with our youth. Tools for Peace is a mental wellness program for youth that provides curricula to grow compassionate minds. Their Mission is to inspire kindness and compassion in everyday life. Their mindfulness-based social-emotional learning programs support mental health, academic and professional success, and community health and wellbeing. Studies show that the Tools for Peace curriculum improves focus, conflict resolution skills, and confidence, and reduces stress in participants. For more information, please check their website for more information: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/36933495

Small & Gutsy features Dependable Youth Initiative Uganda 05/17/2025

Small & Gutsy features International Mentoring Program, StL 04/22/2025

Small & Gutsy features International Mentoring Program, StL Two very smart women saw a pattern developing in their midwestern city of St. Louis, my hometown actually, after one attended a meet-up group organized by Susan Gobbo one of these smart women, who is Brazilian, and who experienced the loneliness of a trailing spouse, herself when she moved to St. Louis in 2008. Years later, she formed a meetup group for other foreign wives. Annie Schlafly, the other very smart woman, who is active in various community groups, heard about the meetup group through the St. Louis Mosaic Project, a regional initiative within the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and the World Trade Center St. Louis, formed to attract more immigrants to St. Louis, invigorating the region with rich culture and intellectual stimulus. Annie convinced Susan that the international spouses would benefit from meeting more St. Louisans, and the two founded the International Mentoring Program also known as IMP in 2017. Over the last seven years, the program has paired over 600 international newcomers with local mentors. They meet one-on-one, in small groups and for larger events such as sports games and other local fare. Beyond fostering human connections, the program aims to solve a real business problem: According to a Harvard Business Review study, a large percentage of expatriate business postings fail. Many executives ask to return home earlier than planned; others underperform on the job or leave the company. Mentors are a gift and they can be very rare; they’re rare, because they’re intentional - I use the word, intentional, because that is what it takes to be a great mentor and a great mentee - yes, it’s a two-way street, a commitment that can take on a journey of its own - meaning there is a structure that has some flexibility and creativity that works for both parties. Mentors can be a surprise or can be set up through a network of connections - what makes it sometimes difficult is for a mentee to find or ask someone to serve as their mentor unless their is a designed program. Now, let’s complicate the situation a tad bit, what if you were moving to a foreign country and knew no one, but your spouse or partner who just received an incredible opportunity to earn a living and contribute to the host’s country’s intellectual community - so your partner automatically has a network - built-in through their new work life, but what about YOU. You might think…well, I will just support my partner, but what if a year’s opportunity turns into much longer and you have remained an expatriot without a network of support… how might you feel and what is the risk to your marriage or partnership or even your family if there are children involved? Personal contentment can count for a great deal in determining longevity in a new environment. Check out their website: Small & Gutsy was just named # 8 on Feedspot's top 30 podcasts for social impact! We are deeply honored! /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/36226710

Small & Gutsy features Salvation Mountain 03/18/2025

Small & Gutsy features Salvation Mountain What a beautiful and thoughtful reflection on places of connection and spiritual significance. It’s fascinating how certain spaces, whether physical or emotional, provide that sense of peace, clarity, or even healing, just like the one I described as a child under the bush in your yard. Weaving the idea of being open to the present moment, and to the connections we share with others can be spiritual in the deepest sense. There’s a profound connection between the self and nature, the present moment, and community, which can shape our personal growth. The story of Leonard Knight and Salvation Mountain is such a powerful example of how dedication, belief, and passion can create something that transcends just a physical space. It’s inspiring to think of how Leonard’s life and work—something as personal as his devotion to his faith—turned into a public monument that has touched so many people across the world. The mountain isn’t just a structure; it represents years of persistence, love, and a desire to spread a message of faith, connection, and hope. I also think it’s so moving that Bob Levesque is carrying forward Leonard’s work, ensuring that his vision continues. It reminds us how important it is to protect and nurture the things that matter deeply to us, even after we’re gone, and how communities can preserve these treasures for future generations. It’s amazing how these places of connection, healing, and spirituality are passed down through the dedication of individuals and communities. It seems like a beautiful, spiritual journey for Bob to be part of this legacy. His role in preserving Leonard’s vision must be incredibly meaningful. Do you feel like there’s a specific lesson or message you’ve taken from Leonard Knight’s story and Salvation Mountain that resonates with your own journey or understanding of connection? Check out their website: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/35729490

Small & Gutsy Features Mongabay 03/04/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Mongabay Loss is something we all experience and I think if you ask the average person about loss, you may get an answer about missing someone who was very special to them, and is no longer here, but loss can take on so much more meaning; it can be loss of an opportunity, loss of an existing relationship, because that relationship has shifted or no longer exists in its original construct; it can be loss of abilities or faculties, Loss simply means no longer having something or having less of it than before; Oftentimes, we need to process that loss and hopefully with time, the pain or the sadness lessens and sometimes, the process of a loss turns into action to prevent further losses. When you meet my guest today, loss took on an incredible meaning in his life; potential and actual loss of nature and natural habitats that forced indigenous people and animals to find other ways to survive, loss of preserving indigenous peoples’ villages, loss of clean water for some, loss of environments that had been functioning well for generations, but due to deforestation and frankly greed or ignorance, those places are no longer what they once had been. Imagine being a little boy where your playground is the curiosity of cultures and environments and where your day’s goal is to explore every indigenous reptile, spider, and furry animal that comes across your path. My guest today was fortunate enough to have a mother as a travel agent planning exotic vacations, and a father who had a huge number of airline miles, giving my guest and his sister the opportunity to travel to less known places that set the stage for his future professional and, I think, personal journey. Some people are driven by threats - my guest is driven by the threat of loss of the most amazing ecosystems in our global environment; initially wishing to raise awareness about tropical rainforests by publishing his book on line, he established Mongabay in 1999 - the name is also an iteration of a place he loves in Madagascar which he can share with you in a moment. Mongabay has been going strong since its inception in 1999 as a vehicle to raise awareness of and interest in wildlife and wild lands; 25 years later, it has continued to gather momentum and has evolved from a website hosting his book, specific to rainforests with the aim of raising awareness to spark action in preserving these amazing ecosystems, to a comprehensive platform covering a wide range of environmental topics far beyond tropical forests. Mongabay is a nonprofit media platform with more than 90 staff across five bureaus and a network of approximately 1,000 correspondents in 80 countries, producing original reporting in five languages, and is read by millions of people a month. Mongabay pursues stories ranging from conventional news articles to deeply-reported investigative projects. One key goal of Mongabay is to increase transparency through targeted journalism which then influences change by driving greater accountability and supporting an enabling environment for a wide range of actors, from nongovernmental organizations to local communities to green entrepreneurs to take action. I’d call this driven, initially driven by loss and now driven by the impact Mongabay has surely had. Mongabay draws its inspiration from a global moral code and truly honors nature. Words cannot express my personal awe for Rhett Butler, founder of Mongabay - Rhett and his global team have forced the revision of laws to protect these environments and manage the global greed for resources that frankly belong to the indigenous people who could then have a sustainable existence by benefitting from these resources. For more information, please check out their website: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/35524305

Small & Gutsy Features Do Something Cool Foundation 02/18/2025

Small & Gutsy Features Do Something Cool Foundation Dr. Charity Dean, the public health leader who helped guide the strategic response to Covid-19 in California and elsewhere, shared her incredible personal story of being very poor, born on the side of the tracks in rural Oregon where the kids are never encouraged to seek college or any higher educational degree; in fact, Dr. Dean shared that she should have grown up to pump gas at the local station; she was regularly discouraged from seeking her dream of being a doctor and many doors were slammed in her face repeatedly. So, what drove her to succeed? She shares that there are at least two versions of everyone’s story, and both are 100% true. The first version is that she could have stayed in her small community, pumped gas with her friends and simmer with anger at the injustice in being born poor and in her situation where others had no expectations that she would succeed or that she should even try; then, there’s version number 2, being the hero of her circumstances became the guiding principle of that story - meaning her being born into poverty taught her to scavenger and scramble for everything including opportunities that looked out-of-reach including flunking out of college and still being determined to go back and finish. Every block and barrier became an opportunity for determination. Dr. Charity Dean wanted to belong, but belong as defined by her version of her story, not someone else’s. Belonging is an essential desire for most of us and certainly for young folks who are trying to find their way. Growing up in dysfunctional families, as many of us have, can sometimes push us into trying to belong to a group that may not be the best for our development, particularly for our character - but survival trumps good judgment at a young, vulnerable age and survival include needing, not wanting, but needing to belong somewhere. especially when you feel you don’t belong even in your own family. I shared these insights from Dr. Charity Dean, because my guest today experienced some of what she spoke about and had the determination to choose a path that moved him away from his past and encouraged him to believe in himself. Because of that, he is now in a position to help others who have experienced their own isolation or lack of acceptance. Do Something Cool is a Foundation, founded by Bryan Hawkins and his sister, Sarah Kawada, dedicated to supporting youth in reaching their full potential and they do this through the belief that sport, culture, and community are powerful tools for change.Their Vision is to help youth learn and develop skills that lead to social, emotional, academic, and physical well-being.Through their grant partnerships and initiatives and soon directly through their own programming, they aim to help young people to lead lives that are good for others as well as themselves. They want to inspire young individuals to accomplish audacious endeavors that will inform and inspire the rest of us. I need to say a few things about how Do Something Cool defines the word, “cool” - their interpretation of cool challenges the conventional label that you and I might have aspired to as a younger person or perhaps even as adults - it transcends a single definition and rather than being seen as hip or trendy - Do Something Cool defines cool as an ever-changing emblem of authentic individuality and collective action - could be play something cool, create something cool, learn something cool…I love this definition, because rather than cool meaning set apart to ‘show-off’ or self-subscribed, being better than others - it is actually, the ambition to lead, venturing into new territories while building self-confidence. Cool is the bravery to try something new, despite the fear that is often connected to the unknown - the courage to explore new paths and embrace challenges; cool is the willingness to embrace new experiences fearlessly and the boldness to push boundaries. Cool is the commitment to a greater cause, a community, a giving-back, and the humble gesture of supporting someone else’s climb towards overcoming adversity. The way I define cool is simply, Bryan Hawkins and Sarah Kawda. Do Something Cool, in my mind, is more like a movement; if we all subscribed to this concept of advancing our community by elevating its people in this way, just think of what a world we might have… To learn more: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/35324525

Small & Gutsy features Piece by Piece 02/05/2025

Small & Gutsy features Su Casa 01/28/2025

Small & Gutsy features Su Casa Su Casa in Spanish simply means your home - which if I take a little poetic license, could mean this space is your home or the contraction you’re, you are home - let’s go with you are home… The concept of home is something many of us often take for granted! Home can mean we can breathe, let down our hair, and be ourselves, and in general, we are in charge of our own lives, decisions we make, etc..for many, though this doesn’t exist or feels completely unattainable, not because it isn’t, but because there are life-threatening circumstances that create an almost insurmountable barrier. I recently did a podcast for another organization that focuses on global preservation by sharing information about what is happening to our global ecosystems and the individuals and animals who are being negatively impacted by being displaced or for some, the threat of extinction. We as a society are experiencing a wake-up call; a wake-up call to pay attention to preserving and rebuilding our ecosystems and a wake-up call to the realization that our domestic environments can also be threatening and threaten, most often women and children. Su Casa is a healing sanctuary where victims - I prefer the term, survivors, can find their voice, develop inner strength, and become self-directed agents of change in their own lives. Su Casa has been around for over 40 years and was founded in 1979 by Petra Medelez, a survivor, who out of her own home took crisis calls and housed individuals being threatened and their children. Petra’s vision was to fill her community with peaceful homes. In order to truly realize her vision, Su Casa expanded its services to include not only immediate shelter from danger but also case management and counseling for residents and for survivors still living with their abuser or batterer, shelter-based certified childhood education, community awareness training, and transitional housing. Su Casa continually strives to be present and relevant to the folks who are in need and therefore has enhanced their programs to include the growing number of Asian and Pacific Islanders. The value placed on empowerment and cultural competence drives the agency’s ever-expanding range of services that are survivor-centered. These services are practical, therapeutic, and educational. Su Casa is also forward-thinking: they realized that 30 days may not be enough for women to be empowered enough to put their lives back together so more than 25 years ago, in 1996, transitional shelter was developed and is still being offered. The extended time enables families to bridge the gap between crisis and independent living. What I particularly like is Su Casa’s commitment to offering support wherever a woman is along her journey to safety; if she is not ready to leave, Su Casa is there to provide counseling and support and is available whenever she might be. Su Casa’s Mission is to empower individuals and families to live free from domestic abuse and build partnerships with communities to end domestic violence. Our wake-up call is to pay attention to those who may be asking for help and to connect them to resources like Su Casa Website: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/35040890

Small & Gutsy Features Girls Matter 12/17/2024

Small & Gutsy Features Girls Matter What does the phrase, “education should be a right, not a privilege” mean to you? If you believe that access to education is not a privilege, but a right as is the human rights law guarantees, then, why are 61 million children not in school, and most of them girls? Educating children no matter where they are is one of the biggest factors toward ending extreme poverty. Education is not a privilege. It is, in fact, a human right. Education as a human right means: the right to education is legally guaranteed for all, without any discrimination; simply, there is an obligation to protect, respect, and fulfill the right to education. Just to share some background: International human rights law guarantees this right. The was adopted in 1948, in Article 26: 'everyone has the right to education'. Since then, the right to education has been widely recognized and developed by a number of international normative instruments elaborated by the United Nations, including the (1960, CADE), the (1966, CESCR), and the (1989, CRC). The right to education has also been reaffirmed in other treaties covering specific groups (, , , , etc.) and contexts (). It has also been incorporated into various and enshrined as a right in the vast majority of national constitutions. What I find so interesting is that, there are laws to protect the right to education although, we are often globally failing to fulfill this right, but there are no laws to protect the kind of education offered. In some cases, as in the U.S. there was an attempt in 2001 with the No Child Left Behind Act, signed into federal law in 2002, aimed at improving primary and secondary education which in many cases reduced rich curricula into rote standards where schools were evaluated. This changed slightly in 2015 where states had more leeway in determining their evaluative criteria, but it certainly didn’t address the issue of quality. There still remains a huge divide in the US with the quality of education. We know girls suffer more statistically in terms of their access to learning that aids in their potential to both better themselves and their communities. I have always believed that it is far better to have an educated society as it creates good competition and offers the likelihood that individuals will be self-sustaining and will then improve the larger collective. Girls DO MATTER and that became the charge of an incredible organization, Girls Matter as well as a friendship between the three Founders Melissa Deally, Malcolm Trevena and Megin Alverez that brought that dream to reality in 2017. Girls Matter, celebrates girls by increasing their access which includes financial support to high school and post secondary education in developing countries; their vision is to support the education of girls in these countries which will in turn, increase the respect, visibility, and equality for girls in their communities. Their 3 key program areas: Educate girls to complete high school. In select cases, consider educating girls to complete University. Support girls to attend classes all year long, by providing menstrual pads (currently they regularly miss 1 week of classes per month without this support). Through education, reduce the number of teenage marriages & teenage Moms A child born to a literate mother is 50% more likely to survive past the age of five. Educated mothers are more than twice as likely to send their children to school, ensuring that her own girls are educated, creating a positive ripple effect for generations to come A girl with an extra year of education can earn 20% more as an adult. Educating Girls Will Break the Poverty Cycle! As a recipient, Evelyn Kawola who graduated from fashion & design school shared: “Your support has pushed me to another level, I can see my future is going to be good. Girls Matter has really changed my life, taking me from being illiterate to literate.” Their holistic approach supports the girls and their communities in both Uganda and Kenya: Their motto is: Breaking the Poverty Cycle 1 Girl, 1 Family, 1 Village at a time! In developing countries, education comes at a cost. Families are caught in a quandary, torn between investing in schooling and affording essential needs. When affording necessities becomes a challenge, daughters are often married off, passing the responsibility of feeding them to a man they don’t know or love. In a single year, an estimated 150 million girls are victims of sexual violence. 14 million girls under 18 will be married this year, 38 thousand today; 13 girls in the last 30 secondThe #1 cause of death for girls 15-19 is childbirth. For more information, check out their website: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/34486295

Small & Gutsy features Our Community LA 11/19/2024

Small & Gutsy features Our Community LA Let’s take a moment and define community, particularly in today’s very divided and extraordinary divisive environment where community and, in many cases, democracy is misunderstood and missused. Community in its simplest form is often defined as a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals; upon further elaboration, it can include a joint ownership or liability - not sure I like liability part, but I get the nuance behind it, which I think is best articulated by Maya Angelou who beautifully wrote: “If it is true that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, isn’t it also true that a society is as healthy as its sickest citizen and only as wealthy as its most deprived?” Taking this a bit further… Democracy is defined as a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives including the practice or principles of social equality. This podcast is not a civics lesson although I think many of us could benefit from understanding the benefits and shared responsibilities of living in an equitable, not equal, but equitable society where we are actively participating in maintaining the health of our society as a whole, meaning all of its people… One individual saw the need to build this in Los Angeles and my hope is that it spreads everywhere if it hasn’t already. A former litigator, with a PhD in Policy from USC, my Alma Mater, with a long history in philanthropic efforts and leadership, Dr. Denise McCain responded to a 2012 request from the Los Angeles City Library for a homeless youth resource guide, Dr. McCain developed and published a comprehensive, citywide Directory of Services for Homeless Youth, known at that time as: Our Children LA. This effort was SO successful that expansion was both sought after and necessary, evolving into the nonprofit, Our Community LA, Or OCLA, with the tagline: Technology, Empowerment, Connections, Hope and their mission is to leverage technology that connects youth, families, and adults experiencing homeless or in need to easily connect to essential resources that can help them make positive changes in their lives; They are doing just that with the WIN APP - WHAT I NEED - easy to remember and easy to use; OCLA’s long-term commitment is to social justice by envisioning a world in which no one will be hungry, unhoused or in need of important supportive service, enabling individuals to build a life out of poverty, abuse or neglect. For more information, check out their website: https://oclawin.org/ /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/33989702

Small & Gutsy features The Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood 10/08/2024

Small & Gutsy features The Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood When the typical person thinks of Hollywood, they think of fame & fortune, the whirlwind of celebrities, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the celebrity hand and foot cement impressions, Groman’s Chinese theatre, The Hollywood sign, and many more iconic symbols of glamor, representing the rich and famous…there is another part of Hollywood though, the real people who live there, and some of those real people are disadvantaged and marginalized, and don’t often have the opportunity to reach their potential. If they are given that opportunity to fulfill their goals by living up to their potential, they will become contributing members of their community; this community that cares about sustaining their people’s future. One of the ways to do that is to focus on youth, ages 6-17, and to instill the belief that they can do anything. Whatever it takes to build great futures is the mantra of one very special organization that is also quite iconic. Since 1937, the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood has provided a safe haven for children to discover, learn, lead, and succeed. It was known then as the Boys Club of America, designed to give boys and young men a ‘fighting chance’ to be successful. There is a tremendous amount of history that leads up to 1987, at which point the name was changed to include girls as it was recognized that girls needed that same fighting chance as their male counterparts. The Boys and Girls Club of Hollywood’s mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring adults. The Boys & Girls Club fills the gap between school and home. With so many distractions that can have negative impacts on our youth, this is one organization that gets it right; they inspire their young participants through education and empowerment. Contributing to quality education allows for learning and leadership opportunities; there are numerous programs that enhance the lives of the many young members: Girls empowerment, coding, the READS program which stands for Reading Excellence Always Delivers Success, anti-bullying program, the UCLA music program, the Tietjen scholarship program, Great Futures, and I am sure our guest today will fill us in on all of the activities that take place at the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood. /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/33369007

Small & Gutsy features the Isabella Santos Foundation 07/30/2024

Small & Gutsy features the Isabella Santos Foundation Being the mother of 5 children, my 5th one, adopted later in his life and mine, the thought of losing any one of them, is unimaginable. This episode is about the unimaginable - a mother, a family, who lost a beautiful, funny, feisty, smart, caring, courageous 7-year-old to cancer. As many of you know, I have had my personal battle with cancer and currently, my younger brother is facing his - unless you have been through your own, it is hard to imagine the havoc that chemotherapy, radiation, and medications wreak on your body, not to mention your spirit when you are feeling sick and definitely not looking like anything familiar to your pre-cancer self - As a grown-up, there are certain expectations of how I should be weathering my cancer journey - after all, I have lived a life, even if I am not ready to say good-bye, but a child - that is an entirely different story; one in which they are just beginning their life’s journey, only to be shortchanged or at best, sidetracked for a period-of-time where we bear witness to their suffering through various cancer treatments - it doesn’t get much worse… Isabella Joanne Santos had a rare form of cancer, neuroblastoma, at age 2. She endured chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, antibodies, numerous ups & downs, meaning multiple relapses for 5 years until she passed away at age 7; while many of us were reading our children bedtime stories…Isabella and her family were waging a war. What was so spectacular about Isabella was that she was truly a rare gift to her family and to those who were lucky enough to meet her; the word rare in this context means an unusual, talented, gifted, special little girl, and yet, in the cancer world, rare means 700 children are affected each year. It means children, usually under the age of 5, are diagnosed with a form of cancer. It means scary statistics about survival rates and relapses. In the case of the latter instance, rare is not one of the words you ever want to hear. Established in 2007, The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) is dedicated to eradicating pediatric cancer’s devastating impact while honoring the legacy of Isabella Santos, her courageous fight against neuroblastoma. Collaborating with medical institutions, ISF drives innovative research to pioneer new treatments and enhance young cancer patients’ lives. Over-the-course of seventeen years, ISF has provided over $7 million in funding toward expanding the scope of research and treatment and supporting families dealing with cancer in a variety of ways. It was Isabella’s dream to Beat Cancer, Grow Hair, and Live Her Dreams. Although research and advanced treatments didn’t come in time for her dreams to come true, Isabella’s legacy will give other kids a fighting chance against rare childhood cancers. Like so many smaller, gutsy organizations, they iterated in a positive direction to meet the unmet needs of their constituencies - in this case, all childhood cancers Check out their website: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/32345052

Small & Gutsy Features Onward Industries 07/09/2024

Small & Gutsy Features Onward Industries Armed with a 225,000 lb WWII- era wooden sailing craft, Greg Nichols, his wife, Nina and two kids, who actually live on this very unique and special vessel, serve as the catalyst in creating a learning environment that alters individuals’ mindsets forever by exposing them to the beauty and magic of learning through nature & community. This creates a lasting impression that being part of something bigger than oneself only aids in contributing to our shared legacy of caring for our world and our community. I cannot think of a more important lesson and one where our future, literally, resides. We need to celebrate and honor these creatives who are giving their expertise in ways that inspire each of us to consider new ways of doing things, problem-solving, decision-making, repairing the world through the lens of learning and appreciation. The world feels fractured. Onward Industries is AN OUTDOORS COLLECTIVE OF THE CREATIVE & ADVENTURE-CURIOUS FOCUSED ON CONNECTION, INSPIRATION & CARING TOGETHER I’m going to let you digest what Onward says about itself: When you do inspiring things in beautiful places with people that light you up, a palpable sense of possibility sneaks in. It’s like a crack in the walls of the maze we navigate in daily life. When you’re in a beautiful place, when the walls vanish, priorities rearrange themselves, reality seems clearer. On a mountain top or at sea under a quilt of stars, buzzing with connection and giddy from a day of play or purpose, you’re pretty tuned in. You get to talking with a new friend. Ideas pour out. Enthusiasm bubbles up. A new reality takes shape. That’s a powerful state. What this translates to is: Onward Industires is about setting the table for those experiences, and also about enabling the next step. they take creative and curious individauls outside by land and sea for objectively awesome breaks from the daily hustle–retreats, performances, immersive education, expeditions. Martin Buber would definitely be on board with this and might literally jump on Onward’s vessel to be part of this experience. Onward Industries are big believers in storytelling and immersion as the foundation of powerful educational experiences. They use professional storytellers, inspirational scientists, and all the resources at their disposal to offer hands-on, immersive experiences for children utlizing ocean-based educational programming with top scientists, pirate experts, - yes, I did say pirate - we’ll learn about that in a moment, storytellers, and adventurers. For more information: /episode/index/show/theintrinsicgroup/id/32060742

Small & Gutsy Features SAILS 05/30/2024

Small & Gutsy Features Legendary Legacies 04/30/2024

Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart

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