Good Nonsense

Good grief — with Samira Moosavi

On this episode we’re joined by Samira Moosavi, a nonprofiteer who makes it her task to support people navigating life’s great challenges. Her work is no small feat—being on a reparative journey with children, teens, and families experiencing grief.
Along the way we dive into —
How stories build personal strength
The types of loss (primary & secondary)
The different ways grief shows up in our bodies
How peer connections can make grief less isolating
One wish Samira would make to improve the social sector
It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at hello@goodnonsense.org!
Mentioned on this episode:
Samira’s LinkedInExperience Camps and Grief SucksGrief Accrues Faster Than Sick Days (Article)

Being seen, heard, and valued — with Maryann Kerr

On this episode we’re joined by Maryann Kerr, a nonprofit rockstar who has graced the field with her awesomeness for more than 40 years. Part sage, part truthsayer, part rabblerouser, Maryann brings her decades of experience and wisdom to a warm conversation about little victories, self-leadership, and legacy.
Along the way we dive into —
Leadership, governance, and culture
The legacy we leave behind through our work
Self-development as the gift that keeps on giving
Why promotions can feed egos and rot organizations
One wish Maryann would make to improve the social sector
It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at hello@goodnonsense.org!
Mentioned on this episode:
Maryann’s LinkedInSocial Value CanadaGallup’s Global Leadership Report uplifting “hope”

Race, age & boundaries — with Jonah Nigh

On this episode we’re joined by Jonah Nigh—part fundraiser, part stand up comic (yes, seriously), part TV star (yes, again, seriously), and more. Having been at the helm of many organizations’ philanthropy programs, Jonah gets real about things that make most nonprofiteers uncomfortable.
Along the way we dive into —
The life of a fundraiser of color
Real boundaries… and setting them
Fundraising as a profession, not a function
What to do when a donor wants to touch your hair
One wish Jonah would make to improve the social sector
It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at hello@goodnonsense.org!
Mentioned on this episode:
Jonah’s LinkedIn and websiteMeeting cost calculator (HBR)Forum for BIPOC fundraising professionalsSocial Impact Staff Retention project

Nonprofit systems... and how we change them — with Michelle Flores Vryn

In this episode, we’re joined by the one and only Michelle Flores Vryn. With serious chops as a practitioner and partner in marketing, communications, fundraising, and strategy, Michelle makes the social sector more equitable, more collaborative, and more spirited.
Along the way, we dive into —
What’s necessary to be truly creative
How 9/11 inspired her nonprofit journey
How to set realistic expectations for our teams
The 10 principles of Community-Centric Fundraising
One wish Michelle would make to boost the nonprofit sector
It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at hello@goodnonsense.org!
Mentioned on this episode:
Michelle’s LinkedIn and websiteCommunity-Centric Fundraising principlesGallup’s Global Leadership Report uplifting “hope”Social Impact Staff Retention project

The nonprofit job hunt — with Brieanna Quinn

In this episode, we’re joined by Brieanna Quinn, a 25-year fundraising veteran who’s been refreshingly open and honest with the world about her nonprofit job search.
Along the way, we dive into —
Everything currently keeping nonprofiteers unfocused and burnt out
Why we need empathy and unity over modern day divisiveness
How being open about your struggles can be remarkably powerful
Why you need to listen to your gut on the job search (even if only a little bit)
Evan’s rendition of a classic 1990's Christina Aguilera tune
It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at hello@goodnonsense.org!
Mentioned on this episode:
Brieanne’s LinkedInThe post that launched Brieanna’s journeyVIA (Values character strength assessment)

The nonprofit retention revolution — with Erica Keswin

In this episode, we’re joined by Erica Keswin, the three-time (!) Wall Street Journal bestselling author on all-things-great human leadership. While not a nonprofiteer, herself, Erica brings the realness on what the social sector can be doing better for its people. (Spoiler alert: much of it doesn’t cost one penny.)
Along the way, we dive into —
The need for human leadership in a tech-driven world
How great human leaders connect people to purpose, connect people to each other, and connect people to themselves
Why soft skills (really) are the new hard skills
How "the absence of intentionality is a recipe for resentment"
One wish Erica would make to boost all organizations everywhere
It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at hello@goodnonsense.org!
Mentioned on this episode:
Erica’s website and LinkedInChief Decent Human Behavior Officers (The Nonprofit Hive)The Peter Principle

The "run nonprofits like a business" fallacy — with Ariel Glassman

In this episode, we’re joined by fellow rabble-rouser Ariel Glassman. Ariel’s helped organizations (on four continents!) raise tens of millions of dollars through a collective approach, which she leads with her firm, Common Great.
Along the way, we dive into —
Uncovering the real problems of toxic leadership
How “run it like a business” is nearly impossible in the current nonprofit reality
Why diversifying revenue is a vertical—not horizontal—strategy
The need for strong strategy and operations, and not just passion
One wish Ariel would make to magically improve the social sector
It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at hello@goodnonsense.org!
Mentioned on this episode:
Ariel’s LinkedInCommon GreatHow Nonprofits Get Really Big (SSIR)

Getting out of the house — with Melinda English

In this very first episode of Good Nonsense, we’re starting strong with a conversation that hits at the heart of what’s wrong (and what’s possible) in the nonprofit world.
We’re joined by Melinda English—a nonprofit HR/talent pro turned for-profit leader—to talk about what’s missing in nonprofit leadership, why the sector struggles with professional development, and that all-too-common excuse, “we just don’t have the resources.” (Spoiler: the call is coming from inside the house.)
Along the way, we dive into —
Why the nonprofit sector needs to look beyond itself for ideas and partnerships
How leaders sabotage retention without realizing it
The difference between onboarding and actually setting people up for success
Why “we’ve always done it this way” is a dangerous mindset
One wish Melinda would make to magically improve the social sector
It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at hello@goodnonsense.org!
Mentioned on this episode:
Melinda's LinkedIn
Social Impact Staff Retention Project
Stay interviews (SHRM)