The PM Podcast

Be Ready: A Conversation with Sharise Harrison

Sharise Harrison is the Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services and Prospect Management at California State University-Sacramento. A leader in philanthropy and data equity, she’s spent over a decade redefining how nonprofits approach prospect research to reduce bias and build more inclusive fundraising practices. Sharise also serves as President-Elect of Apra.

"Who Can I Help Today?": A Conversation with Natalie Silverstein

Natalie Silverstein is an author, speaker, and podcast host whose work is all about inspiring kindness and service in families and teens. Natalie is the founder of the New York affiliate of Doing Good Together and the host of the award-winning podcast Simple Acts, Big Impact: Celebrating Teen Changemakers, where she highlights incredible stories of young people making a difference. She’s also the author of two nationally recognized books, Simple Acts: The Busy Family’s Guide to Giving Back and Simple Acts: The Busy Teen’s Guide to Making a Difference.

The Most Basic Cure for Everything: A Conversation with Heidi Johnson

Heidi Johnson is a nonprofit founder, storyteller, and the creator of Charity Matters, a platform and podcast highlighting everyday heroes who make the world better through service. After a personal tragedy in 2002, Heidi founded the Spiritual Care Guild at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which became a national model for pediatric chaplaincy. Today, she inspires others by sharing stories of purpose, resilience, and the transformative power of giving. Heidi is also the author of Change for Good: The Transformative Power of Giving as the Ultimate Cure.

Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Mind: A Conversation with Payton McGriff, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero

Payton McGriff is the founder and CEO of Style Her Empowered (SHE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls and women in Togo through education, employment, and innovation. Established in 2017 as a class project, SHE has grown into an international organization, providing over 1,500 girls with free uniforms, school fees, and resources, while employing 33 women across 21 rural communities. Recognized as one of the Top Five CNN Heroes of 2024, she is breaking barriers and changing lives, one uniform at a time.

The Kids Still Need Us: A Conversation with Rachel Rutter, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero

In this episode, we speak with Rachel Rutter, founder and executive director of Project Libertad, a nonprofit that supports unaccompanied immigrant youth with free legal representation, essential services, and newcomer programs. An immigration lawyer and passionate advocate, Rachel has been recognized as one of the Top Five CNN Heroes of 2024 for helping over 1,100 individuals navigate the legal system and rebuild their lives in the United States.

Reversing the Narrative: A Conversation with Yamilée Toussaint, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero

Yamilée Toussaint is the founder and CEO of STEM From Dance, a trailblazing nonprofit that inspires girls from underrepresented communities to pursue STEM careers by merging the creativity of dance with the power of technology. An MIT graduate and former Teach for America educator, Yamilee has been recognized as a thought leader in reimagining STEM education and as one of the Top Five CNN Heroes of 2024. 

Moonshot: A Conversation with Bill Littlejohn

Bill Littlejohn is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare philanthropy. As Senior Vice President and CEO of the Foundations of Sharp HealthCare, he has driven initiatives raising more than $300 million and spearheaded Sharp's $2 billion ENVISION campaign to transform healthcare in San Diego. A former AHP Chair and Si Seymour Award recipient, Bill has advised healthcare systems worldwide and is widely celebrated for his visionary leadership and impact. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore his beginnings in the field, the work he and his colleagues have done over the years, the critical importance of continual innovation, and his personal commitment to philanthropy.

Unconditional Love: A Conversation with Stephen Knight, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero

Stephen Knight is one of the top five CNN Heroes of 2024 and the founder of Dogs Matter, a nonprofit organization that has provided foster care for over 1,200 pets belonging to individuals in substance abuse recovery. Inspired by his journey of overcoming addiction and the transformative bond with his rescue dog Jayde, Knight has created a program that saves animals from shelters and offers hope and support to their owners during critical times in recovery.

A Refuge in Music: A Conversation with Ron Davis Alvarez, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero

Ron Davis Alvarez is Founder of the Dream Orchestra in Gothenburg, Sweden and one of 2024's Top Five CNN Heroes. Since 2016, Ron has brought together refugees, immigrants, and locals, speaking in over 20 languages, to create music and build community. His work shows how people can rebuild lives and connect across cultures. 

We Believe: A Conversation with Don Williams

The U.S. has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world with approximately 1.9 million people in federal and state prisons and local jails. 95% of those incarcerated today will be released but 70$ are likely to return to the system. However, for participants in Jumpstart, an innovative organization in South Carolina, the recidivism rate is just 4%. Today, we speak with Don Williams, one of Jumpstart's founders, about his journey from incarceration to freedom, the work they do to help others to rebuild their lives, and their plan to make this path available to others.