How to Find Hope in Unexpected Places: Lessons from CNN Hero Maggie Doyne

From the moment Maggie Doyne and I joined our Zoom call, there was an instant recognition—a connection of the heart. We share a love of children, the Oregon coast, and a deep commitment to living in service. Interviewing her was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when one person follows the quiet call of compassion.At just 18 years old, Maggie took what was meant to be a simple gap year—and turned it into her life’s mission. Traveling through India and Nepal, she witnessed a young girl lifting two stones together to build a road. In that moment, she literally said, “I was cracked open”.With her life savings of $5,000, Maggie moved to Nepal and co-founded the BlinkNow Foundation with her Nepali partner, Tope Bahadur Malla. Their vision was clear: to provide children with a safe home, medical care, education, and love—so they would grow into adults with a social conscience and the skills to end cycles of poverty and violence.Working hand-in-hand with Tope and a team that’s 90% Nepali, they built a children’s home for over 100 kids, a school for 350 students, and a women’s center and health clinic for the Kopila Valley community. Maggie’s work has been honored with the 2015 CNN Hero Award and recognition from the Dalai Lama.In this conversation, Maggie shares how a single decision changed her life forever—the joys and challenges of mothering 100 children, sustaining her mission through loss, and the importance of working alongside the local community. She also opens up about a period of deep grief that reshaped her path and strengthened her purpose.Maggie Doyne is a modern-day Mother Teresa—a lighthouse of hope redefining what family means in our world today. She reminds us that one person, with an open heart and unwavering commitment, can create ripples of change that transform entire communities.Whether you’re seeking inspiration to answer your own calling or simply want to witness love in action, this conversation will leave you moved, motivated, and believing in the power of one heart to change the world.🎧 Tune in now to listen.With love,MollyA note from MollyFor three years, I’ve poured my heart into this podcast, creating 90+ episodes. I’ve funded everything myself to focus on meaningful conversations—but to keep bringing you the quality content you deserve, I need your help.Even $5 a month—less than a coffee—helps cover hosting, editing, and prep time. If this podcast has supported you, would you consider joining? Support here: https://www.patreon.com/14800380/joinYour support keeps these unrushed, transformative conversations coming.RESOURCES & LINKS:Maggie:Support BlinkNow’s Mission Kopila Valley Children’s Village — Nearing completion of a new, eco-friendly campus in Surkhet, Nepal. Kopila Valley School — Top 10 finalist for the World’s Best School prize Watch the Film Between the Mountain and the SkyLearn More About Maggie Official Website Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeMolly:https://molly-carroll.comInstagram | Facebook