Nonprofit on the Rocks
by Matt Kamin
Passionate about making a difference but tired of dry, snooze-worthy industry podcasts? Nonprofit on the Rocks shakes things up with engaging conversations and actionable advice — all served with a drink in hand.Join Envision Consulting co-founder and nonprofit expert, Matt Kamin, as he and his esteemed (and occasionally tipsy) guests dive into fundraising strategies, leadership challenges, and the latest trends shaping the nonprofit world.Whether you're a seasoned pro, volunteer, or just here for the drinks, you'll leave with inspiring ideas to amplify your mission.So pull up a seat, pour yourself something tasty, and join us for thought-provoking chats that spark positive change. New episodes drop monthly — Cheers!
Episodes
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Minisode #1: All About Boards
In the very first mini episode of Nonprofit on the Rocks, Ashley finally gets Matt to flip the script and let her ask the questions of him! What follows is a lively deep dive into what makes a nonprofit board truly balanced, inspired by their earlier conversation with Nonprift Launch Academy...
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Nonprofit Launch Academy: with founder, Sharmon Lebby
What happens when a neuroscience researcher turned ethical fashion entrepreneur accidentally founds a nonprofit and lives to tell the tale? She builds a course to stop you from making the same mistakes. This week, Matt sits down with Sharmon Lebby — founder of the Nonprofit Launch Academy — to…
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Nonprofit Hub on the Rocks: with Meghan Speer
Two nonprofit podcast hosts. Zero rehearsal. One refreshingly honest conversation. Matt Kamin (Nonprofit on the Rocks) and Meghan Speer (Nonprofit Hub) team up for the first-ever crossover between their shows — and it's basically two friends geeking out over everything wrong (and right) with the...
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Survey Says? "State of the Nonprofit Worker Report"
State of the Nonprofit Worker Report (SNWR) Spoiler: it's not a K-pop band. It's the data initiative that's about to make your next board meeting way more interesting. In this episode, host Matt sits down with Allison (Envision Consulting) and Efrain (Center for Nonprofit Management) to talk…
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All Things Social Sector Impact with Rob Harter
This week, Matt sits down with Rob Harter — host of the Nonprofit Leadership podcast, coach, consultant, recovering executive director, and self-described "hopeless romantic" who still believes you can change the world. (We checked. He means it.) Rob spent three decades in the social impact…
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Nonprofit Nation on the Rocks
Two podcast hosts walk into a recording session. One's drinking Eagle Rare bourbon at 3pm in LA. The other is sipping a Pinot Grigio she smuggled back from Italy. Neither has ever co-hosted before. What could go wrong? Turns out — nothing. This week, Matt hands over (half of) the mic to Julia...
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S6:E4 -- "Senseis of Hiring" An introduction to "Around the Office" with Jessie Stegner
We’re trying new things! In this special, mini-episode, host Matt Kamin introduces a new segment we’re calling, “Around the Office”, featuring conversations with the talented team of nonprofit experts at Envision Consulting. This inaugural episode welcomes the smart and funny Associate Director,...
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S6:E3 -- Navigating Charitable Giving with CEO of Charity Navigator, Michael Thatcher
In this special Thanksgiving episode of "Nonprofit on the Rocks," host Matt Kamin welcomes back Michael Thatcher, CEO of the nonprofit rating website, Charity Navigator, for an insightful conversation about the state of the nonprofit sector in America. Together, they discuss the challenges facing...
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S6:E2 -- "Leadership and Resilience in the Face of Disaster" Revisiting Liz Lin, CEO of the LAFD Foundation
Matt is joined by Liz Lin, CEO of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, to discuss the profound impact of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The conversation covers challenges faced by both the community and first responders, the critical role of the Foundation, and practical steps for...
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S6:E1 -- Recruiting on the Rocks: a Hiring Happy Hour with Matt & Tom O'Connor
What really happens when you put two nonprofit insiders in a room and ask them to solve the sector’s toughest hiring puzzles? In this episode, we sit down with Tom O’Connor, founder of TOC Arts Partners, to decode the mysteries of executive search, organizational strategy, and the human side of...
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Nonprofit on the Rocks Trailer 2025
It's a new season of Nonprofit on the Rocks! Host Matt Kamin is a nonprofit expert whose wealth of experience, wit and wisdom will help your nonprofit not only tackle today's challenges, but will also help build a stronger foundation for lasting impact in the future.
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S5:E10 -- "Season of Giving," a Guide to Charitable Giving with Charity Navigator CEO, Michael Thatcher
Tis the season of giving--giving thanks, giving gifts, and giving money to your favorite charities. To help you “navigate” the complex charitable giving landscape, Matt talks to renaissance man, Michael Thatcher, the CEO of the nonprofit rating website, Charity Navigator. The pair discuss what...
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S5:E9 -- "The Audacity of Confidence" with Dr. Cid Pinedo, CEO of MAOF
In this lively and heartfelt episode, Matt dives deep into the world of nonprofit with his longtime pal, Dr. Cid Pinedo, President and CEO of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation. Cid shares his inspiring journey from aspiring priesthood in East LA to becoming the CEO of MAOF; his passion...
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S5:E8 "Embracing Ambition" with CEO, nonprofit coach, and author, Jenny Mitchell
Matt talks to Jenny Mitchell, CEO, nonprofit coach, and author of “Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, be Seen and Lead.” The pair discuss the nitty-gritty of fundraising, including mastering the art of uncomfortable conversations and how to stay motivated and confidant when things...
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S5:E7 "Board Talk" with Board Experts, Jonathan Zeichner and Amy Friedman
This episode is all about boards! Matt talks all things board related with two experts, Jonathan Zeichner and Amy Friedman. All three of the voices on this episode have served as founders, executive directors, board members, and in the case of Matt and Jonathan: consultants. They have seen and...
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S5: E6 "Be the Change" Lessons from Ed O'Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation
Matt talks to Ed O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. The pair dive into everything from how a president, whose face is carved on Mount Rushmore, doesn’t already have a library, to how one goes about starting and fundraising for, such a massive project....
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S5:E5 "Don't Panic!" A Young Founder's Guide to Getting (and Staying!) in the Game, with Samia Lemfadli from Change Food for Good
Matt talks to Samia Lemfadli, Founder and CEO of Change Food for Good, a New York City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to making sustainable agricultural technology more accessible to areas affected by food insecurity. The pair discuss both the necessary mindset and practical steps one…
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S5:E4 “Holy Moly! Matts Unite!” A Divine Duo discuss Faith, Humanity and Inclusion with Rev. Matt Hackworth, Senior Leader at L'Arche USA
Matt talks this week to The Rev. Matt Hackworth, a member of senior leadership for L'Arche USA, an organization committed to helping people with and without intellectual disabilities to live in community, together. Matt and Matt come from drastically different backgrounds. Matt Kamin is a Jewish,...
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S5:E3 -- "Nailed It!" Cancer Support Community SGV CEO, Patricia Ostiller on Nonprofit Success and Fearless Fundraising
Join host, Matt Kamin, as he talks to Patricia Ostiller, CEO of Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley, a nonprofit that uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities and breaking down barriers to care. Normally, Matt…
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S5:E2 -- “ED or Not to ED” a spirited chat with EmpowHER CEO, Dawn L. Brown
“ED or Not to ED,” a spirited guide to taking nonprofit center stage and knowing when to take a bow. Matt talks to Dawn L. Brown, CEO of the EmpowHER Institute, an organization that empowers girls and young women in marginalized communities by giving them the skills necessary through education,...
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Nonprofit on the Rocks Trailer
Host and Envision Consulting co-founder, Matt Kamin, talks to producer Ashley Waterson about the upcoming new season and new format of the podcast that brings happy hour interviews with nonprofit leaders, directly to the listener.
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S5:E1 -- "All Things Founders" with Mary Jane Wagle, co-founder of W.O.R.K.S.
Join host, Matt Kamin, as he talks to OG badass do-gooder and lifetime advocate for the under-served, Mary Jane Wagle, co-founder of W.O.R.K.S. (Women Organizing Resources, Knowledge and Services) an organization that provides quality, affordable housing and services to the underprivileged. Matt...
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Halfy 3.0 - "New Season. New Format: Intro to Season 5" with Matt and Ashley
Matt and producer, Ashley Waterson, return from a long hiatus to discuss the upcoming new season of the show! New Season. New Format. Same Quality. Same Fun.
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S4 E10 -- "Nonprofit 101" with Allison Fuller, co-founder of Envision Consulting
In this highly anticipated episode, Matt talks to his Envision Consulting co-founder and nonprofit expert, Allison Fuller. The pair discuss their long history with nonprofit and each other, relaying hilarious and poignant stories. Listeners are also treated to an expert clinic on nonprofit...
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S4 E9 -- "Lawyers who Rock for Charity" with Omi Crawford, Director of Law Rocks
Matt talks to Omi Crawford, Director of Law Rocks, a nonprofit whose mission is to promote music education for underprivileged youth and raise funds for local nonprofit organizations by combining the power of music and the generosity of the global legal community. The pair discuss the challenge…
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S4 E8 -- "Hiring outside the Box" with Edward Amey, CEO of Jay Nolan
Matt talks to Edward Amey, CEO of Jay Nolan Community Services, an organization that supports children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The pair discuss the mutually beneficial value of hiring adults with disabilities; what it takes to be the CEO of a...
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S4 E7 -- "Leadership is not for Punks" with Tamika Farr, CEO of Pathways LA
Matt talks to Tamika Farr, CEO of Pathways LA, a nonprofit that supports the healthy development and school readiness of young children from disadvantaged communities. The pair discuss the dual challenge of low-income families trying to afford childcare AND the inability for many childcare...
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S4 E6 -- "Water is Life" with Erin Huber Rosen, founder of Drink Local, Drink Tap
Matt talks to Erin Huber Rosen, founder and executive director of Drink Local, Drink Tap, a nonprofit based in Cleveland, Ohio dedicated to improving water equity through projects, programming and partnerships because they believe access to clean water is a human right. The pair discuss what can…
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S4 E5 -- "An Overabundance of Chutzpah" with Bobbi Abram, CEO of Pasadena City College Foundation
Matt talks to Bobbi Abram, CEO of the Pasadena City College Foundation. The pair discuss everything from the college’s 30 million dollar grant from Mackenzie Scott to why Bobbi’s (and Ashley's) longtime home town, Kansas City, is located in two states. They debate the merits of getting a college...
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S4 E4 -- "Being Your Most Authentic Self" with Jamie Zavala, Executive Director of ArtworxLA
Matt talks to Jamie Zavala, Executive Director of ArtworxLA, whose mission is to combat the epidemic high school dropout crisis by engaging students in arts programs that inspire them to stay in school and flourish as creative adults. The pair discuss the positive impact the arts can have on...
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S4 E3 -- "Embracing Your 'Inner Chad'" with Genevieve Riutort, CEO of the Westside Food Bank
Matt talks to Genevieve Riutort, the new CEO of the Westside Food Bank in Santa Monica, California, an organization whose mission is to end hunger in our communities by providing access to free nutritious food through food acquisition and distribution, and by engaging the community and advocating...
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S4 E2 -- "Beyond Fighting Fires" with Liz Lin, president of the LAFD Foundation
Matt talks to Liz Lin, President of the LAFD Foundation, an organization whose mission is to supplement the fire department’s budget by providing first responders with essential equipment, new technology, and educational resources that would otherwise go unfunded. The duo discusses the growing...
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S4 E1 -- "Erasing the Red Line" with Jasmin Shupper, Founder of the Greenline Housing Foundation
Matt talks to Jasmin Shupper, Founder of the Greenline Foundation, an organization committed to combating redlining by trying to close the racial wealth gap and facilitate access to the wealth-building that home ownership affords, by giving grants to qualified people of color for down payments…
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S3 E10 -- "A Creative Journey" with Shelby Williams-Gonzalez, President and CEO of Inner-City Arts
Matt talks to Shelby Williams-Gonzalez, President and CEO of Inner-City Arts in downtown Los Angeles, an organization that believes in the transformational power of the arts, and whose mission is to engage young people in the creative process in order to shape a society of creative, confident and...
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S3 E9 -- "Men in Tights," a conversation with Lori Laqua, Managing Director of the SMUIN Contemporary Ballet Company
Matt talks to Lori Laqua, Managing Director of the SMUIN Contemporary Ballet Company in San Francisco. The pair discuss the state and importance of the performing arts and artistic expression; the changing landscape of how we consume art; and how and what it means to have a career in the arts.…
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S3 E8 -- "Positive Self-Talk and Other Valuable Lessons" with Molly Snow, Executive Director of Girls on the Run, L.A.
Matt talks to Molly Snow, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Los Angeles, a nonprofit that empowers the next generation of women through sport and mentorship, building confidence and developing social emotional skills that will benefit girls for a lifetime. The pair discuss the importance of...
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S3 E7 -- "Thank you, Teachers" a conversation with Michele Broadnax, CEO of Los Angeles Education Partnership
Matt talks to Michele Broadnax, CEO of the Los Angeles Education Partnership, a 38year-old educational equity nonprofit organization. primarily partnering with LAUSD, bringing forward education transformation from “diapers to diplomas.” The pair discuss the importance of being a good fundraiser,...
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S3 E6 -- "Nonprofit Lowdown on the Rocks" with Rhea Wong and Matt Kamin
Matt talks to Rhea Wong, nonprofit consultant, fundraising expert and host of her own popular podcast – and yes, Nonprofit on the Rocks competitor, The Nonprofit Lowdown. The pair discuss topics ranging from the importance of “The Ask,” how to engage your board in the fundraising plight…
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S3 E5 -- "Finding Your Own Good Way" with Julie Lacouture, nonprofit strategist and founder of Good Ways, Inc.
Matt talks to Julie Lacouture, fundraising strategist and founder of Good Ways, Inc. a consulting firm that helps nonprofits raise money, awareness and supporting digital tools. (She also co-hosts the podcast, “How We Run: Tips and Tales of Nonprofit Success” with Trent Stamp, but since they’re a...
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S3 E4 -- "You Cannot Lead Unless You Serve," lessons on service and gratitude -- Heidi Johnson, Founder of Charity Matters
Matt talks to Heidi Johnson, founder of Charity Matters, a nonprofit (and podcast) whose mission is to share the fascinating stories of innovators, entrepreneurs, and modern-day heroes who set out to solve the problems of humanity with their incredible journeys of service. After tragedy struck...
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S3 E3 "Embracing the Messy Middle" with Elissa Barrett, Executive Director of the Western Justice Center
Matt talks to Elissa Barrett, Esq. Executive Director of the Western Justice Center, an organization that empowers people to strengthen their communities and build a healthy democracy by growing their conflict resolution skills, providing a much-needed, ”antidote to the politics of division...
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S3 E2 -- "Stop the Rubber Chicken Dinner Insanity" Laurel Mintz, Founder and CEO of Elevate my Brand, global marketing expert
Matt talks to Laurel Mintz, Founder and CEO of “Elevate my Brand,” a digital and experiential agency that helps corporate and nonprofit businesses alike to, as promised, “elevate their brand.” Laurel dishes up her “secret sauce” to our listeners, helping them recognize the importance of setting a...
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S3 E1 -- "You got Oprah to Donate" Afam Onyema, founder and CEO of GEANCO, transforming lives in Nigeria
Matt talks to Afam Onyema, the founder and CEO of GEANCO, a family foundation, inspired by his father’s promise to improve healthcare and save lives in his homeland, Nigeria. GEANCO saves and transform lives in Nigeria; fights disease and disability through free complex surgeries and maternal...
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1. Matt and Producer Ashley do another "Halfy"
Missed an episode in the last two seasons? No worries! Matt and Ashley walk you through some of the highlights of the first two seasons in this informative and entertaining half episode, or "halfy"
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S2 E10 -- Diveheart founder Jim Elliott and paralympic archer, Ron Rispoli
Matt talks to Jim Elliott, founder of Diveheart, an organization that provides support educational scuba diving programs to any child, adult or veteran with a disability, with the hope of providing both physical and psychological therapeutic value to that person. Joining Matt and Jim is Ron...
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S2 E9 Elena Brokaw -- Executive Director of The Museum of Ventura County
Matt talks to Elena Brokaw, Executive Director of the Museum of Ventura County (and despite what her LinkedIn profile might say, she is the official--not the “interim” --director) The pair discuss why Elena loves working for nonprofit, how she and her team saved the museum from imminent closure,...
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S2 E8 -- Dr. Kristen Greer-Paglia, CEO of P.S. ARTS
Matt talks to Dr. Kristen Greer-Paglia, CEO of P.S. ARTS, an organization that provides high quality arts education in dance, theater, music and visual arts to children in underfunded school districts that lack access to the arts. Among the many topics covered, the pair explore how the arts and…
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S2 E7 -- Ed Tepporn, Executive Director of Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation
Matt talks to Ed Tepporn—himself an immigrant, immigrating from Thailand to Texas in the 1970s, the Executive Director of the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, a former U.S. immigration Station that now serves to preserve the rich stories of Pacific Coast immigrants (from 80 different...
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S2 E6 -- Amy Turk, CEO of the Downtown Women's Center in Los Angeles
Matt talks to Amy Turk, CEO of the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles, an organization whose mission is to end homelessness for women in greater Los Angeles through housing, wellness, employment, and advocacy. The pair discuss the importance of trauma informed care and the mindset shift from,...
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S2 E5.5 -- Matt and producer, Ashley do "a halfy" episode
Matt and Ashley reveal the results of the Twitter poll as to what to call the show's followers, debate what a unicorn smells like and whether or not podcast awards are called "poddies;" introduce "Mattsplains Across America," and discuss the very real challenge of having to wear pants to work…
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About this show
Passionate about making a difference but tired of dry, snooze-worthy industry podcasts? Nonprofit on the Rocks shakes things up with engaging conversations and actionable advice — all served with a drink in hand.Join Envision Consulting co-founder and nonprofit expert, Matt Kamin, as he and his esteemed (and occasionally tipsy) guests dive into fundraising strategies, leadership challenges, and the latest trends shaping the nonprofit world.Whether you're a seasoned pro, volunteer, or just here for the drinks, you'll leave with inspiring ideas to amplify your mission.So pull up a seat, pour yourself something tasty, and join us for thought-provoking chats that spark positive change. New episodes drop monthly — Cheers!
Hosted by
Matt Kamin
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