PODCAST · business
Built For Meaning
by Stephanie Jiroch
Built for Meaning is a podcast about the psychology of identity, belonging, and the lifelong search for meaning. Hosted by Stephanie Jiroch, researcher, strategist, and creator of the Donor Identity Framework™, each episode explores why humans do what they do—from the communities we join and the causes we support to the brands we love, the identities we create, and the stories we tell ourselves. Drawing from behavioral psychology, media psychology, consumer behavior, and real-world research, Built for Meaning uncovers the hidden forces shaping how we connect, contribute, and become. If you've ever wondered why people stay loyal, why communities thrive, or what truly gives life meaning, you're in the right place.
Episodes
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How to Get More From Your Event or Campaign Post-Mortem
After every appeal or event I work on, I make the team sit down for a post-mortem exercise, no matter how it went. It’s Dan Sullivan’s Experience Transformer, and in this episode I walk you through all four parts of it the way I’d walk through it with a client, including why we always start with...
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The Reason Donors Lapse Isn't What You Think
This week's episode goes after a myth almost every nonprofit believes without checking: that donors mostly leave because of money or because they lost interest in the cause. I walk you through the actual research on donor lapse - including a landmark study of ten thousand lapsed donors - and show...
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Why Identity Matters So Much: A Deep Dive Into Who We Believe We Are
This week's episode goes back to what identity actually is from a psychological standpoint, why it's such a reliable predictor of behavior, and why that matters so much for anyone doing donor work. Stephanie walks through self-schema theory, possible selves, narrative identity, identity-based...
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The Giving Tuesday Advice Every Small Nonprofit Should Ignore
If you've ever walked away from Giving Tuesday feeling like you failed at something that was never really yours to win, this one's for you. In this episode, I'm breaking down why the countdown-email, blast-every-channel playbook was built by and for nonprofits with six-figure marketing budgets…
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How to Segment Based on Identity, Not Demographics
In this episode, I'm breaking down why most nonprofit segmentation isn't really segmentation at all — it's sorting. Age, gift size, and zip code tell you almost nothing about why someone actually gives, and the research backs that up. I walk through why donors cluster around trust and values far...
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5 Email Campaign Mistakes I've Made (And How You Can Avoid Them)
Fundraising emails don't usually fail because of one big, obvious error — they fail because of small, easy-to-miss habits that quietly cap performance. In this episode, Stephanie gets personal about five email mistakes she's made over the course of her own career: burying the ask, writing one…
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Leveraging the Power of Identity in Your Next Appeal: How to Ask For More Money
Most fundraising strategies fail for a simple reason: they optimize the ask instead of the identity behind it. This episode unpacks the behavioral science of identity-driven giving — why “just ask for more money” backfires, and what to say instead. Stephanie walks through Bem's self-perception...
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Double Your Donations using my Gift Method™️
There's a five-figure sum hiding in your donor database right now — not from donors you haven't met, but from ones who already said yes once. In this episode, Stephanie Jiroch breaks down the GIFT Method — her four-step framework for calculating exactly how much revenue is recoverable from your...
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How the Sense of Belonging Drives Donations
In this episode, I go underneath the fundraising strategy and into the brain. Why do donors really stay? Not because the cause was worthy but because giving became part of who they are, among people they belong to. We walk through the neuroscience of belonging, the psychology of meaning-making…
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The Myth of Donor Fatigue
What if everything you've been told about donor fatigue is wrong? In this episode, Stephanie challenges one of the most comfortable stories in fundraising — the idea that donors burn out from being asked too often. The truth is more uncomfortable, and far more useful: your donors aren't tired of...
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Adapt or Die: The Generational Giving Shift Nonprofits Can't Ignore
Every generation gives differently and the nonprofits that miss this shift won't just lose donations, they'll lose relevance. In this Quick Take episode, Stephanie breaks down how generational giving patterns are quietly reshaping philanthropy, why "the way we've always fundraised" is becoming a...
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The Midlife Pivot I Never Saw Coming
After a long pause from podcasting, I'm back...and a lot has changed. In this episode, I'm sharing the story behind my midlife pivot: the unexpected shifts in business, identity, and purpose that led me away from building brands and toward exploring something much deeper - meaning, generosity…
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Ep. #69: 3 Web Mistakes You're Making
Are these common web mistakes holding your business back? If you want a site that converts visitors into raving, paying fans - this is the episode for you. Like what you hear? Click subscribe and leave a review, then join Stephanie each week as she takes on the many questions women have about...
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Ep. #68: When You Are Close to Quitting, Listen to This
What if achieving your big goals was as simple as filling a bucket, one drop at a time? In this hot take episode, I break down my "drops in a bucket" analogy and share how this mindset can transform the way you approach challenges in business and life. It’s all about consistency, patience, and...
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Ep. #67: Your Sober Pal Founder Laura Van Antwerp Shares How She Went All In On Her Business
Join me for a candid conversation with Laura Van Antwerp, the inspiring mind behind Your Sober Pal and Your Sober Pal Adventures. We dive into her journey from full-time corporate gal to business owner extraordinaire, the power of authenticity in building a personal brand, and how her sober...
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Ep. #66: My 2025 Web Design Predictions
Discover the trends shaping the future of web design in 2025! From groundbreaking design aesthetics to functionality shifts, I'm sharing my top three predictions that will redefine how brands engage online in the year to come. Whether you’re building a new site or revamping an old one, this…
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Ep #65: Should You Have A Signature Offer?
Feeling overwhelmed by too many services? Struggling to attract your ideal clients? You're not alone! Today's episode of Business Her Way dives into the burning question: Should you have a signature offer? Get ready for a hot take (a quick, bite-sized episode) as I explore both sides of the coin:...
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#64: Sadie Fienberg on Providing Value & Making Money
Welcome to Business Her Way, a show dedicated to helping women rewrite the rules of what it means to be a female entrepreneur in today’s digital world. On today's episode, Stephanie speaks with Sadie Fienberg of Butterfly Creative Projects. Listen in as Stephanie and Sadie talk business strategy,...
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Ep. #63: Ceels Lockley on Niching, Pivoting, and Burning It Down
Ceels Lockley is a Business Coach + Strategist based in the UK, working with service providers, freelancers, consultants, and agency owners. Ceels specializes in niche marketing. offer suite design and messaging. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, Ceels’ background includes...
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Ep #62: How to plan for the year ahead
In this episode, I unveil the compelling reasons why planning your year ahead in November trumps waiting until January. Discover the advantages of getting a head start on your annual goals, and gain insights into a practical planning process. I'll share my personal approach to year-ahead…
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Ep #61: Marketing vs Branding - What's the difference?
Do you know the difference between marketing and branding? Like so many, most people spend considerable time marketing their business and not building their brand first. In this episode, Stephanie shares the very simple distinction between marketing and branding, and shares why every entrepreneur...
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Ep #60: Permission to Do Business Your Way
Had enough of the "Make $1M While You Sleep" empty promises and "do it this way" coaching models? Join me in this episode as I share my transformative rebranding journey and why it's a game-changer for my brand and this podcast. This season, I'm debunking the misleading narratives and inspiring…
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Ep #59 Integrating Mind, Body, and Business: The Importance of Strategy and Energetics in Your Success
In my fifteen years of working with and supporting business owners, I have seen firsthand the impact a holistic approach can have on their overall success. When entrepreneurs integrate their mind, body and business strategies, it catapults their revenue, impact and industry growth. Now, whether…
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Ep. #58: Overcome Negative Money Stories with Sam Kopelman (Money Mindset Coach)
Get ready to shift those outdated and limiting money stories! Today on the podcast I have the honor of speaking to Sam Kopelman, money mindset coach for millennial women. She's bringing the heat (and lots of aha moments for me!) on saving, spending, and shifting the stories that keep us from...
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Ep. #57 Engage, Clarify, Influence: Create Compelling Stories with The Story Trifecta™️
As humans, we are naturally drawn to stories. From the earliest times, we have used stories to share knowledge, entertain each other, and connect with one another. Stories are an essential part of our lives, and they can also be a powerful tool for leadership and branding. That's why we have...
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Ep. #56: How to StoryProof Your Business
Here’s the thing: recessions, fluctuating markets, pandemics, cool new tech…they happen! In order to survive the next big event, you need to "story-proof" your business. That’s why today, I’m sharing my StoryProof Plan™ to support you in securing your business or personal brand for economic...
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Ep. #55: Stop Pretending, Unleash Your Potential and Craft An Authentic Story
For high-achieving and high-performing women, we are often conditioned to project a certain image to the world. For many that might be a mask of perfection, constantly striving to meet the expectations of those around us. For others, it might be the “fake it till you make it” experience of hustle...
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Ep. #54: Building Company Loyalty in a Remote World
In today's remote work environment, engaging with your remote workforce can be a challenge. But with the power of brand storytelling, you can create a culture of engagement and loyalty that inspires your team and drives success. In this episode, I explore the key elements of a compelling brand...
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Ep #53: How Hiring a Business Coach Can Improve Your Life, Career and Company
In this episode, I share the seven powerful areas of the coaching process that supports a client in success and growth. I'll discuss how a coach can provide valuable insights, help you overcome obstacles, and develop strategies to achieve your goals. I'll also explore the role of partnership in...
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Ep. #52: How to Rewrite a Mission Statement to Reignite Your Team's Ambition
In this episode of our podcast, I delve into the importance of having a strong mission statement for your team or organization. But not just any mission statement - we're talking about upgrading your "why" to reignite your team's ambition. You will learn the key elements of an effective mission...
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Ep. #51: The Best 3 Personality Tests for Entrepreneurs (Kolbe A Index, Enneagram, Human Design)
To achieve success and professional fulfillment, entrepreneurs and business leaders need to understand themselves and their teams better. One way to do this is by taking personality tests that can give them insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. This week I look at three…
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Ep. #50: Narrative Intelligence is the Superpower Skill Every Leader Needs to Succeed
An excellent leader possesses many qualities, including strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to motivate and inspire others. However, one often overlooked superpower that can set a leader apart from the rest is narrative intelligence. What is narrative intelligence,...
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Ep. #49: How to Write a New Professional Story in the Midst of Mass Lay-Offs
In this episode, I'll be discussing how to use your professional story to navigate the uncertainty and challenges of mass layoffs. With the economic impacts of the pandemic continuing to affect industries and organizations worldwide, many professionals are finding themselves facing unexpected...
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Ep #48: The Anti-Hustle Strategy You Need Right Now
Have you ever felt overwhelmed when reaching toward a goal? Or you berate yourself for not 'getting there' sooner? High achievers always struggle with the pace of success, often leading to burnout. In today's episode, I'm teaching the anti-hustle strategy that blew open my mind - and changed the...
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Ep. #47: 5 Success-Boosting Benefits of Journaling for Leaders
Welcome to this episode of Lead With Story, where I explore the benefits of journaling for leaders. Join me as I share journaling as a tool to improve your leadership skills and achieve your goals. You'll learn how journaling can help you gain clarity on your leadership vision, track your…
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Ep #46: My Morning Routine for Working Moms (No 5AM Wake Up Required)
In today's episode, Stephanie discusses how her morning routine has changed over the years and how she utilizes her morning time for maximum efficiency with two small children. With morning routines becoming more popular, with books being written regularly on the subject, most morning routines do...
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Ep. #45: Stop Duct Taping Problems and Solve Them With This 3 Step Process Instead
Ever struggle with a problem, either within the company or even within your team, and instead of solving it you throw some duct tape around it? That's the short-term solution that while easy, often leads to bigger long-term problems. If you're a leader, CEO or entrepreneur using duct tape to fix...
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Ep. #44: The One List You Need to Live a More Fulfilling & Happy Life
If there's anything I do to live a fulfilling and joyful life, it's this one list that has changed the way I show up to my work, with my family, and as a friend. This practice, when done and reviewed regularly, will provide you a life full of your wildest dreams. Learn what I do and how I do it…
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Ep. #43: Sarah Gobbs-Hill on Leadership and Listening Forward
This week on Lead With Story, Stephanie speaks with Sarah Gobbs-Hill, CEO of Listening Forward Consulting. Stephanie and Sarah dive into the top leadership traits coveted by so many and discuss the rollercoaster that is entrepreneurship. Whether it's commanding a boardroom or pitching new…
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Ep. #42: The 4 Elements of a Great Leader
In the launch of Season 3 of Lead With Story Podcast, Stephanie shares the four key elements that make up a successful leader. After spending the last ten years working with entrepreneurs and business owners around the world, she's narrowed down these four traits as the most telling of a…
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#41: Cameron Bannister on Building an All-In-One Digital Platform for Creatives
Cameron Bannister, CEO and co-founder of FreeByrd, is on a mission to empower creatives to do what they love while making money online. After spending 13-years as a traveling hairstylist to NYC, LA, and Dallas, Cameron was inspired to help her creative peers, many of whom are extremely talented…
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#40: The 3 Key Metrics You Need to Monitor on Your New Website
You know you need an MVP website (see episode #39) but what exactly are you testing or measuring when it goes live? For most early-stage startups, you’re testing your minimum viable product, spending time in R&D, and engaging in conversation to raise capital. That doesn’t leave much time for...
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#39: Why Your Early-Stage Startup Needs an MVP Website (like, yesterday!)
At the very least, an MVP website is a quick and dirty website. It includes features like a logo, social buttons, as well as a description, basic product information, and the contact details of the company’s founders. Coined from the term ‘Minimum Viable Products,’ MVPs are products that have…
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#38: Julie Arsenault of Pantry Drop: The Journey to Founding a Size-Inclusive Fashion Subscription Box Startup"
Julie Arsenault is the founder and CEO of Panty Drop, a technology company that delivers a personalized intimates shopping experience for women of all sizes. They are tackling a multi-billion dollar market and growing rapidly. In this episode of Empower Your Marketing, Julie talks all about her...
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#37: Ashley Connell from Prowess Project: How One Female Founder is Focusing on Women in the Workplace
Ashley Connell, founder & CEO of Prowess Project (based in Austin, TX) doesn't have time to take it easy. As 5.4 million women return to work after the global pandemic's "she-cession," Ashley's job is to get them back into the workforce. In this episode of Empower Your Marketing, Ashley talks all...
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#36: Secrets to Crowdfunding a Product-Based Startup in a Global Pandemic with Lauren Ashcroft
Lauren Ashcroft is the founder of UltimateYou, a company on a mission to empower entrepreneurs, students, and professionals to reach their biggest goals. This week, I talk with Lauren about her quick rise from concept to shipped product (in less than a year!), her use of crowdfunding platform...
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#35: Start-ups and Consulting: A Potential Yet to be Seen w/ Marielle Reussink
Since leaving the corporate world, Marielle's life has become all about start-ups. From the onset, the goal of her own entrepreneurship journey has always been to help fellow entrepreneurs achieve their goals. Marielle forte is digital, branding, and strategy, however as her approach is...
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#34: Secure Early-Stage Funding with This Simple Story Framework
Startups are everywhere, but it seems they come and go as quickly as they begin. Having a new one may seem scary and chaotic but it is definitely an exciting adventure to try and it should be a staple for every entrepreneur. If you're thinking of having your own start-up, you will need all the...
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#33: Kelly Glover on the Power of Podcasts for Marketing Your Business
Kelly Glover books podcast tours for entrepreneurs so they can build brand equity. As the founder of The Talent Squad, Kelly is driven by the core belief that your personal brand is your most valuable asset. Kelly is a natural energizer obsessed with booking podcast interviews for her clients...
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#32: Brand Storytelling in a Post-Pandemic World
The ‘new normal’ - from our children’s education, how we interact with friends and family, and even how we define having a good time - has changed us. The same goes for how we brand, position, and communicate about who we are and how we serve. From COVID-19 to mounting social unrest, we live in...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Built for Meaning is a podcast about the psychology of identity, belonging, and the lifelong search for meaning.
Hosted by Stephanie Jiroch, researcher, strategist, and creator of the Donor Identity Framework™, each episode explores why humans do what they do—from the communities we join and the causes we support to the brands we love, the identities we create, and the stories we tell ourselves.
Drawing from behavioral psychology, media psychology, consumer behavior, and real-world research, Built for Meaning uncovers the hidden forces shaping how we connect, contribute, and become.
If you've ever wondered why people stay loyal, why communities thrive, or what truly gives life meaning, you're in the right place.
HOSTED BY
Stephanie Jiroch
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Built For Meaning have?
Built For Meaning currently has 81 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Built For Meaning about?
Built for Meaning is a podcast about the psychology of identity, belonging, and the lifelong search for meaning. Hosted by Stephanie Jiroch, researcher, strategist, and creator of the Donor Identity Framework™, each episode explores why humans do what they do—from the communities we join and the...
How often does Built For Meaning release new episodes?
Built For Meaning has 81 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Built For Meaning?
You can listen to Built For Meaning on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Built For Meaning?
Built For Meaning is created and hosted by Stephanie Jiroch.
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