PODCAST · business
The Beacon
by Lighthouse Counsel
Lighthouse Counsel partners with respected nonprofits to develop and implement strategies that increase mission awareness, organizational effectiveness and philanthropic support.
Episodes
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Turning Bold Vision Into Practical Action
Major Ethan Frizzell, area commander for The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties, believes bold vision matters only when leaders can translate it into practical action. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Frizzell joins Brian Hassett to discuss how mission-driven organizations…
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What Presidents and Advancement Leaders Need From Each Other
Dr. Wanda Bigham of Academic Search brings the perspective of both an advancement leader and a two-time president to a practical question: What do presidents and chief advancement officers need from each other to advance an institution’s ambitions? In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Bigham...
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Planned Giving Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
Tony Martignetti, host of Nonprofit Radio, joins Joe Chickey to discuss why planned giving is more accessible than many organizations believe. Drawing from the ideas behind his book Planned Giving Accelerated, Tony explains why small and mid-sized nonprofits should begin with simple bequests…
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Volunteer First: Building the Next Generation of Philanthropic Leaders
Nick DeLuna, Senior Portfolio Advisor and Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and 2026 Board President of the United Way of Greater Nashville Young Leader Society, joins Brian Hassett to discuss how nonprofits can build lasting relationships with younger professionals. Drawing...
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How Skills Based Volunteering Strengthens Nonprofit Capacity
Rachel Hutchisson, Senior Advisor at Pyxera Global, explores how skills-based volunteering can help mission-driven organizations strengthen capacity beyond traditional volunteer roles. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Rachel joins Del Martin to discuss how leaders can align professional...
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Attention is Currency
Ian Adair, CEO of the Seattle Police Foundation, makes a compelling case for attention-focused fundraising in a noisy world. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Ian joins Dr. Stuart Gulley to discuss how mission-driven organizations can move beyond transactional messaging and hold donor...
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Advancement Leadership in a Changing Higher Education Landscape
Josh Newton, senior vice president for Advancement and Alumni Engagement at Emory University, joins host John Stephenson on The Beacon Podcast for a conversation on how advancement leaders are adapting to shifting donor expectations, rising competition and changing institutional priorities.…
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Leading Through the AI Era
Shawn Olds makes a compelling case that AI adoption starts with leadership, not technology. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Shawn, founder of Ike Papalua and former co-founder and founding CEO of boodleAI, explains why nonprofit leaders should engage AI directly, set responsible policies…
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What Great Boards Get Right
Strong boards do more than govern. They help shape culture, elevate leadership, and position organizations for lasting impact. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Rodney Bullard joins host John O’Kane to discuss the qualities of effective boards, common warning signs of underperformance and…
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Leading Through Crisis Before It Is Too Late
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Dr. Kent Keith, president of the Carlson Keith Corporation, former president of Chaminade University and former CEO of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, joins host Dr. Stuart Gulley to reflect on leading a university through an existential crisis....
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Giving starts with identity, not persuasion
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Cherian Koshy, vice president at Kindsight and author of Neurogiving, joins host Jeff Jowdy to explore what science reveals about generosity. The insight is clear. Giving is not driven by persuasion but by identity. When leaders align their message with how...
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Leading Up to Move Vision into Action
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Dr. Lilya Wagner, senior advisor with Lighthouse Counsel and author of the book “Leading Up,” explores how meaningful leadership often happens without formal authority. Drawing on more than three decades as an educator, coach and practitioner, Lilya…
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The Signals Shaping Independent Schools
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy is joined by Dr. Brett Jacobson, president of the Southern Association of Independent Schools, to explore the signals shaping the future of independent education. Drawing on national trends and SAIS research, Jacobson examines shifts in the...
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What Donor-Advised Fund Data Reveals About Donor Behavior
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Dr. Dan Heist, assistant professor at Brigham Young University and co-founder of the Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative, shares research-driven insight into how donors actually use donor-advised funds. Drawing on original data, he explains the...
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Leading with Moral Clarity in Complex Times
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, The Rev. Dr. Stuart Gulley joins Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy for a wide-ranging conversation on what it takes to lead a campus with clarity, consistency and conviction. Drawing from three decades as a chief executive and his leadership at…
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Tailoring Your Foundation Engagement Strategy
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Mary Humann Judson, founder of Judson Advisory Group and former president of The Goizueta Foundation, shares a candid, experience-based perspective on how foundations think and make decisions. Drawing on decades of work across family foundations, corporate...
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A First Look at “Leading Volunteers” with Dr. Howard Cohen
In this special episode of The Beacon Podcast, senior advisor Dr. Karen Baldwin sits down with fellow Lighthouse Counsel senior advisor Dr. Howard Cohen for an engaging preview of his newly published book Leading Volunteers. Drawing on more than five decades in higher education and nonprofit...
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How federal tax changes will shape philanthropy and advancement
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Brian Flahaven, vice president for strategic partnerships at CASE, talks with host Dr. Bob Smith about the sweeping federal tax legislation known as HR 1 and how its major charitable giving provisions will affect higher education and other mission-driven...
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Building Community and the Future of Fundraising
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, fundraising leader Roger D. Ali, chair of AFP Global, joins Jeff Jowdy to explore how community and belonging are reshaping philanthropy. He shares why retention-first fundraising, authentic storytelling, and thoughtful use of AI are key to stronger donor...
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Important insights into changes in tax laws and donor motivation
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Bill Stanczykiewicz, senior assistant dean for external relations at Indiana University’s Lily Family School of Philanthropy, talks with Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Dr. Lilya Wagner about changes in tax laws and in donor motivation.
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All About The Fund Raising School and Trends in the Charitable Sector
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Bill Stanczykiewicz, senior assistant dean for external relations at Indiana University’s Lily Family School of Philanthropy, talks with Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Dr. Lilya Wagner about the Fund Raising School and its role in the charitable sector…
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The Power of Mentoring: Fueling Growth in Fundraising Careers
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Birgit Burton, founder and CEO of the African American Development Officers Network, discusses the power of mentoring and its critical role in helping fundraisers reach their highest potential both for their own success and that of the organizations they...
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The benefits of AFP membership in a changing charitable landscape
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Lilya Wagner welcomes Art Taylor, president and CEO of AFP Global. In their discussion, Art talks about AFP and why members of the charitable sector should join, changes in the charitable giving landscape, how AFP has…
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Great Fundraising Organizations — and How They Got That Way
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Content Coordinator Margaret Gardner talks with Alan Clayton about organizations that “get it” and excel at raising the money needed to make their mission a reality. In their conversation, the author of the book “Great Fundraising...
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Insights from visionary entrepreneur Maxine Clark – Part 2
In part 2 of our interview with entrepreneur and philanthropist Maxine Clark, special guest host Parker Middleton speaks with the founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop about: • The founding of her community impact organization, Delmar DivINe • The benefits of nonprofit organizations collaborating and...
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Insights from visionary entrepreneur Maxine Clark
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, special guest host Parker Middleton speaks with visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop. In their discussion, Clark shares insights into her career, including: • How her mother influenced her lifelong passion...
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Are you telling your donors the right story in the right way?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Dr. Russell James, author of “The Storytelling Fundraiser,” about storytelling and behavioral economics and how they affect fundraising. In their conversation, Russell addresses: • Insights on the...
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Will Power: Easing into Conversations about Planned Giving
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Texas Tech’s Russell James about getting inside the mind of the planned giving donor. During their conversation, James answers questions including: • Why traditional fundraising methods don’t work for…
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Do It Like Disney: Fundraising Insights from The Magic Kingdom
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Wayne Olson, author of the book, “The Disney Difference: The Complete Guide to Adding Disney-Like Magic to your Corporation or Organization.” In their discussion, Wayne shares insights into: • Why Disney...
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Board Meetings: Keeping Them Productive, Engaging and – Yes! – Fun
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter heads up a lively conversation with Sandy Howard and Gary Everton about leading productive, engaging board meetings that lead to involvement and philanthropic support. During their conversation, the trio…
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Mindful Living and its Impact on Leadership
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Joan Bahner speaks with celebrated author, entrepreneur and mentor Louis Upkins about mindful living and how it affects leadership. In their discussion, Louis talks about: • The definition of mindful or purposeful living…
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Wisdom and insights from "The Complete Guide to Fundraising Management”
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with longtime fundraising pros Stanley Weinstein and Dr. Pamela Barden. Stanley is the author of the first three editions of "The Complete Guide to Fundraising Management,” which Pamela updated and expanded for...
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Keeping the lines of communication open
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter talks with her Lighthouse Counsel colleague, Senior Advisor Howard Cohen, about how to productively say no to a request while allowing the person to feel heard and keeping the lines of communication open.
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The role of community engagement in faith-based fundraising
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner speaks with Dr. F. Willis Johnson about how faith-based fundraising is reimaging and impacting community. In their discussion, Dr. Johnson addresses issues including: • How churches and church-related...
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Building a High-functioning Board
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter talks with her Lighthouse Counsel colleague, Senior Consultant Howard Cohen, about creating and maintaining high-functioning boards. In their discussion, Howard addresses topics including: • The definition…
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Uniting for Change
In today’s episode of The Beacon Podcast, Margaret Gardner talks with Willeke van Rijn, CEO of The Resource Alliance, about how unity on various levels can increase the impact of the social sector. In their discussion, Willeke addresses issues including: • The power of community and what that…
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The 4 Rs (and a W) of Writing Successful Grant Proposals
The 4 Rs (and a W) of Writing Successful Grant Proposals by Lighthouse Counsel
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Step Aside and Find Your Joy
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel’s Margaret Gardner talks with Dr. Angelo Valenti about personal happiness and how to unravel the reasons we make living in joy so hard on ourselves. Dr. Valenti is the author of the book, “You're Making This Way Too Hard: Find Your EASY…
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Hurdles to leadership and how to overcome them
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Lighthouse Senior Consultant Victor Wilson about the challenges and hurdles leaders are facing today. In their discussion, Jeff and Victor address topics including: • Why pressure on leaders seems to be...
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The importance of diversity, equity and inclusion for nonprofits
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner talks with long-time fundraiser and volunteer Jeff Lukacsena about diversity, equity and inclusion in the nonprofit world. In their discussion, Lilya and Jeff address issues including: • The importance of...
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Keeping Board Members Active and Engaged
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter talks with Clark Baker about board engagement. Clark retired as CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston after more than 50 years working within the YMCA organization. In their conversation, Carole and Clark...
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Insights from Musicians On Call on supporting and empowering volunteers
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Content Coordinator Margaret Gardner speaks with Nicole Rivera, vice president of programs for Musicians On Call, about recruiting and empowering volunteers. In their discussion, Nicole talks about: • The different roles volunteers play at...
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Building and empowering impactful nonprofit boards
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Marty Dickens about building powerful and impactful boards. Marty recently retired as chairman of the board of trustees of Belmont University after serving 17 years in that role. In their discussion, Marty...
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Unlock your hidden genius to be a more effective leader
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Content Coordinator Margaret Gardner talks with Polina Pompliano, author of the book “Hidden Genius: The secret ways of thinking that power the world's most successful people” and founder of The Profile, a media organization that studies...
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The ethical and responsible use of AI in fundraising
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Council Content Coordinator Margaret Gardner speaks with Nathan Chappell, senior vice president at DonorSearch AI, who is on a mission to reignite generosity and transform the future of fundraising through responsible and beneficial AI. In their...
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Stepping up as chair when your organization faces challenges
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Marty Dickens about an aspect of board leadership that doesn’t get talked about much – being ready, willing and able to stand up and make tough calls when they’re needed. Marty recently retired as chairman…
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Fundraising is a project – insights on how to successfully manage it
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner leads a conversation about nonprofit leadership and management and the importance of project management in fundraising. Dr. Wagner is joined by Prof. Darryl Allen, partner and chief education officer at…
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Education and professional development for fundraisers
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner speaks with Dr. Dwight Burlingame, a major contributor to the field of philanthropy in the United States for more than 30 years, about nonprofit education and professional development for fundraisers. In...
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Exploring the CFO’s role in a nonprofit organization’s fundraising
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner talks with Harry Dorcus about the role of the chief financial officer in a nonprofit organization’s fundraising. Harry has 39 years of international financial management experience, with special emphasis…
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A glimpse into the heart and mind of a philanthropic leader, volunteer and donor
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, special guest host Parker Middleton talks with Tom Johnson, former president of CNN, chairman and CEO of CNN News Group and former president and publisher of The Los Angeles Times about philanthropy and the heart of giving. In their discussion, Tom shares…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Lighthouse Counsel partners with respected nonprofits to develop and implement strategies that increase mission awareness, organizational effectiveness and philanthropic support.
HOSTED BY
Lighthouse Counsel
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Beacon have?
The Beacon currently has 135 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Beacon about?
Lighthouse Counsel partners with respected nonprofits to develop and implement strategies that increase mission awareness, organizational effectiveness and philanthropic support.
How often does The Beacon release new episodes?
The Beacon publishes regularly with 135 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Beacon?
You can listen to The Beacon 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 The Beacon?
The Beacon is created and hosted by Lighthouse Counsel.
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