For the Love of Humanity Podcast

Heeeey, friends. The podcast is back!Phew, it’s been a minute.And the reason why is because there has been SO much going on here in Minnesota (hard stuff; traumatizing stuff; overwhelming stuff; de-humanizing stuff) — especially in Minneapolis, where I live.I’m telling you all about it in this episode, where I’ll take you along the arc of the story… from the beginning of this year… until now.There are essentially four chapters to this story.So.Get a warm drink.Get cozy.And settle in.There’s inspiration here, a chance for reflection, and even some practices that you yourself can do, to embody the lessons here.Be sure to call or text into the dedicated line for the podcast, too, with questions about — or your own experiences with — these topics. That’ll make this whole conversation even richer.[ 1 (612) 440-4819]Thank you for being here!I’m so grateful to have you in this community.Episode Overview00:00 | Intro 01:16 | Welcome Back 02:22 | Why The Break 03:01 | Minneapolis Under Siege 05:13 | Sharing a Historical Record 07:53 | January 16th: Bearing Witness of the Terror 14:12 | Viral Response Worldwide 17:15 | Anne Frank Resonance 19:32 | Beatitudes For The Moment 23:10 | Community Line # to Call/Text 24:27 | January 23rd: Finding Hope 26:29 | The Minnesota Vibe 28:32 | The Wrong State to Try 30:58 | A Stew Metaphor 33:25 | Love and Collective Power 35:20 | Community is a Practice 36:28 | Three Ways to Start Practicing 38:47 | February 27th: Crisis Update 39:53 | Ashley Mobilizes Philanthropy 43:31 | Economic Tsunami Ahead 45:40 | Rent Funds Alarm 49:00 | A Modern-Day Widow’s Mite 52:04 | What Philanthropy Means 56:30 | Institutions Fail Locally 01:02 | Mutual Aid Wins 01:05 | A Leaderful Movement 01:08 | Breathing Reflection Practice 01:09 | ClosingAs Mentioned In the EpisodeStand With Minnesota WebsiteThe Guardian ArticleThat amazing Mutual Aid “Transparency Post” I told you about:This podcast’s music is licensed from MusicBakery.com.All copyrights, licensing, duplication, and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). Get full access to For the Love of Humanity at www.fortheloveofhumanity.community/subscribe

Is it just me… or has the world we live in started to feel more and more precarious, over the past few years? Do you think we’re on the right track?I… can’t say I do.And I do know I’m not alone, because I’ve been in SO many conversations with friends and comrades who feel the same. And so many of you have been getting more scared… even more cynical… or, I even might say, more like Eeyore than Tigger.Would you like to gather up some Tigger energy as we wind down 2025… and chart our course for 2026… and beyond?I got you. That energy is here. I’m talking hope. I’m talking a way forward that helps us all thrive. I’m talking the way we turn it around… for good.I can’t wait for you to meet my infinitely wise — and wildly witty! — friend and guest, Alexander “Brave Journey” Sterling, co-founder and CEO of Turtle Island Community Capital (TICC), who shares about fostering economic sovereignty and community resilience for Indigenous peoples (and thus, all of us here). We discuss the challenges and opportunities within Native communities, the significance of cultural stories and traditions, and the importance of investing in regenerative finance. We touch on historical injustices, the critical need for equity in investment and philanthropy, and the hope and action needed to build a thriving future for the next generations.Get a warm drink. Settle in. Be ready for some inspiration… some introspection… and some dreaming.Also, I need to mention: this is the longest episode we’ve published so far. And that’s because there is just SO MUCH GOOD CONTENT, with Alex “in the room.” I couldn’t cut any more. I just couldn’t! You really need to hear it all.Buckle up! Listen in.And be sure to call or text into the dedicated line for the podcast, too, with questions about — or your own experiences with — these topics. That’ll make this whole conversation even richer. ( 1 6 1 2 4 4 0 4 8 1 9)Thank you for being here!I’m so grateful to have you in this community.Episode Overview* 00:00 | Introduction: A Precarious World* 00:43 | Gathering Tigger Energy for 2026* 02:36 | Welcome to the For the Love of Humanity Podcast* 03:38 | Alex’s Background and Mission* 05:33 | Alex’s Stories of De-Humanization and Humanization* 12:16 | The Importance of Caring for — and Respecting! — Youth* 16:45 | The Origin of “Brave Journey”* 19:09 | About Turtle Island Community Capital* 23:15 | Challenges in Native American Financial Access* 30:33 | The Erasure of Native History* 36:55 | Engage with the Podcast Community* 38:58 | Discussing “American Progress” by John Gast* 39:59 | Manifest Destiny… and Its Modern Implications* 43:33 | Economic Sovereignty Explained* 48:15 | A Different Kind of Investment* 51:19 | Seven-Generational Thinking: What/How?* 01:03:44 | The North American Colonial Project* 01:06:21 | Land Acknowledgements and Practical Actions* 01:18:49 | Supporting Indigenous-Led Solutions* 01:23:23 | Final Thoughts and Call to ActionInfo + Links from AlexTurtle Island Community Capital (TICC) is a mission-driven financial institution dedicated to advancing economic sovereignty in Native and underinvested communities. If this work resonates with you, consider joining us — not as donors, but as co-creators. You can offer direct support here. Or you can reach out to our team for more information on how to use your DAF or impact investing funds in our work: [email protected], there are $180 Million in capital needs waiting — just waiting for the funds to make them possible. TICC is raising $400K before the end of 2025.This is the start-up, launching phase for TICC. And you can be a part of launching them towards their very ambitious goals. Give today!Turtle Island Community Capital’s WebsiteConnect with Alexander via his LinkedIn ProfileTurtle Island Community Capital’s LinkedIn PageTurtle Island Community Capital’s Instagram PageAs Mentioned In the EpisodeOn Amerigo VespucciWhat “Termination” Means for Native AmericansOn The Dawes ActOn “American Progress” by John GastOn the “Doctrine of Discovery”This podcast’s music is licensed from MusicBakery.com.All copyrights, licensing, duplication, and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). Get full access to For the Love of Humanity at www.fortheloveofhumanity.community/subscribe

Power is something other people have.Not you… right?Right?No. Not right. You have far more power than you probably acknowledge. And we’re going to be exploring that in this episode.We’ll talk about the ways that intra- and inter-personal power dynamics… actually affect the big-picture power dynamics we all seem to assume are just “baked into” our wider world.I’ll tell the story of the first five-figure gift I raised as a professional fundraiser — one that started with a meeting that was FULL of potentially dicey and difficult interpersonal power dynamics.We’ll end with some inspiration for you to take with you. And I hope that inspiration… and all of what we talk about here today… are things that really stick with you.My guess is that these are the sorts of things that will find their way into your sub-conscious… and regularly arise in your everyday moments… as you continue to mull over your relationship with power.Be sure to call or text into the dedicated line for the podcast, too, with questions about — or your own experiences with — this topic. That’ll make this whole conversation even richer.Thank you for being here! I’m so grateful to have you in this community.Episode Overview* 00:00 | Introduction: Discover Your Hidden Power* 02:44 | Seeing Power Where It Hides* 04:24 | Interpersonal Power Dynamics: Everyday Scenarios* 06:20 | Reflection: Some Thought-Provoking Questions* 09:04 | Hierarchies and Social Conditioning* 12:08 | Reclaiming Power* 16:12 | Real-Life Example: My First Five-Figure Gift* 23:35 | Lessons from Viktor Frankl and Hafiz* 29:37 | Conclusion: Embracing Community and Mutual GenerosityAs Mentioned In the EpisodeMore on Viktor FranklMore on HafizThis podcast’s music is licensed from MusicBakery.com.All copyrights, licensing, duplication, and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). Get full access to For the Love of Humanity at www.fortheloveofhumanity.community/subscribe

In this episode of the For the Love of Humanity Podcast, I welcome Betsy McDermott Altheimer — a coach, artist, fundraising consultant, and founder of Table Forte Coaching and Consulting. Betsy shares her transformative journey, emphasizing the importance of coaching, creativity, and community care in her work — and really, in her whole life. She recounts personal stories that highlight her philosophy of compassion and human connection, including a profound experience at a hospital. Our conversation delves into the essence of — and widespread need for! — the skill of coaching. Betsy also talks about her artistic and creative practices, connecting them to her work in fundraising. The episode also announces the launch of the Community Care Collective in 2026 — a new initiative aimed at supporting individuals in community-based work through mutual care and coaching.Don’t miss our special offerings for you — two introductory gatherings, planned for November and December 2025, providing both a “taste” of the Collective… AND a meaningful respite amidst the busy, stressful end-of-year fundraising season. Episode Overview00:00 | A Teaser01:32 | Welcome to the Podcast02:33 | Introduction to Betsy McDermott Altheimer04:32 | Betsy’s Personal Stories of Dehumanization and Humanization08:47 | The Power of Our Shared Human Experience19:07 | Understanding the Role of a Coach26:28 | The Center for Coaching in Organizations29:52 | Creativity and Spirituality in Coaching33:49 | The Power of Human Creativity34:26 | The Joy of Social Media (!)36:20 | Fundraising and Its Connection to Art41:47 | Navigating Cancer, Building Community48:30 | Holistic Wellness and Avoiding Burnout55:00 | Introducing the Community Care Collective01:02:51 | Embracing Abundance in Fundraising01:06:16 | Final Thoughts and GratitudeLinks from BetsyTable Forte Coaching and ConsultingCenter for Coaching in OrganizationsAs Mentioned In the EpisodeInspiring Instagram Account to Follow!Register TODAY for the online gathering coming up on November 12th: The Community Care Collective: A TasteThis podcast’s music is licensed from MusicBakery.com.All copyrights, licensing, duplication, and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). Get full access to For the Love of Humanity at www.fortheloveofhumanity.community/subscribe

In the latest episode of the For the Love of Humanity Podcast, we explore troubling realities within the nonprofit sector. Through a series of real-life stories, we highlight how far many organizations have strayed from their noble missions of community care. From rigid, unsympathetic policies on grief leave… …to discriminatory hiring practices… …to unchecked demands leading to staff burnout… …these narratives shed light on the systemic issues plaguing the field. We discuss the importance of acknowledging these problems… and urge our listeners to join the effort to steer philanthropy back to its roots — truly loving and caring for our fellow human beings. We also touch on life’s ultimate regrets… and encourage living in a way that aligns with our deepest values. Join us in this episode — to engage in meaningful dialogue… and take steps toward transformative change. Episode Overview00:00 | Introduction: Why We’re Starting w/ Unbelievable Stories 01:19 | Welcome to the For the Love of Humanity Podcast 02:19 | The State of Nonprofits/Philanthropy: Real, Eye-Opening Stories 13:00 | Engage with Us: Share Your Stories 14:12 | Seeing Life… and Work… More Clearly20:32 | A Vision for a Better Philanthropy 22:21 | Closing Thoughts and Community EngagementResources to Go FurtherHere’s the book by palliative care nurse Bronnie Ware that we mentioned in the episode: The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.Here’s another book mentioned, the celebrated business management advice we know as The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Dr. Stephen R. Covey.As mentioned on the episode, Brené Brown teaches us that “clear is kind.” If you’d like to learn more about this, you can do so in her book Dare to Lead. Get full access to For the Love of Humanity at www.fortheloveofhumanity.community/subscribe

On this episode, I welcome nonprofit sector leader Vu Le, for a conversation that is grounding, inspiring, fun… and like a nice warm bath or hug. I’ve appreciated Vu and his writing and leadership for well over a decade now — but after this conversation, I am appreciating Vu as a dear-hearted human more than ever.I’m also more excited than ever about his book coming out next month!Vu writes the blog NonprofitAF.com. He is the founder and former executive director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by supporting leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration between diverse communities.He is a founding board member of the Community-Centric Fundraising movement — which aims to ground fundraising practices in equity and justice.He was born in Vietnam, and he and his family came to the U.S. when he was eight. He spent several years living in Seattle, attending elementary and middle school, before moving to Memphis, Tennessee, for high school — and then to St. Louis, Missouri for college and graduate school.He holds a BA in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work. He is a vegan, a father of two kids (ages twelve and nine), and a staunch defender of the Oxford Comma.Episode Overview00:00 | Introduction to the Podcast and Guest03:03 | Welcome Vu Le: A Conversation Begins05:01 | Personal Stories of Dehumanization and Humanization11:24 | Community-Centric Fundraising Explained18:52 | The Joy of Authentic Fundraising28:40 | Vu's New Book: Why Now?35:06 | Challenging Traditional Norms35:52 | Embracing Eldership37:28 | The Courage to Speak Out44:33 | Supporting Palestine and Facing Backlash48:50 | The Importance of Self-Preservation and Solidarity50:52 | A Lighthearted Q&A with Vu01:02:53 | Closing Thoughts and a Pep Talk for Y’allLinks for VuPre-Order Vu’s NEW BOOK!Connect with Vu on LinkedIn!Follow Nonprofit AF on Instagram!Follow Nonprofit AF on Facebook! As Mentioned On the ShowThe Giving Project NetworkFind out more at the link above about how you can participate in a Giving Project, too! I participated in the Giving Project at Headwaters Foundation for Justice, here in Minneapolis. There are Giving Projects running in Seattle; Minneapolis; Chicago; Detroit; Philadelphia; New York; Portland, Maine; Denver; and Hawaii. My guess is that even more will start to pop up, as people learn about these amazing opportunities… and want to have a chance to experience it themselves.This podcast’s music is licensed from MusicBakery.com.All copyrights, licensing, duplication, and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). Get full access to For the Love of Humanity at www.fortheloveofhumanity.community/subscribe

In this episode, I reflect on a transformative Spring Break Service Trip during my college undergrad years — one that eschewed traditional charity for a deeper exploration of systemic injustices. The Faith and Resistance trip to Washington, DC, involved a retreat led by renowned peace activists Phil Berrigan and Liz McAlister, which provided us students with an experience in civil disobedience — including the symbolic act of throwing human blood on the Department of Defense. I also critique our conventional focus on obedience and normative behavior, advocating instead for creative disobedience — which creates space for more innovative solutions to our stubborn societal problems. Listen to the episode to see how I suggest that disobedience is what will help us wield our significant collective power to create a just and loving world.Episode Overview00:00 | Introduction: A Life-Defining Service Trip01:09 | The Problem with Charity02:40 | Faith and Resistance: The Journey Begins05:46 | Understanding Civil Disobedience07:49 | Meet the Legends: Phil Berrigan and Liz McAlister09:44 | Direct Actions and Their Impact16:28 | Reflections on Creativity and Change20:29 | Empowerment and Creating a New WorldJoin the conversation!Call or text (1-612-440-4819) to talk about your own experiences… and cast your own vision of how fundraising can be better.You can also add your thoughts and questions in the comments below. 👇🏻Let's start creating a new vision of fundraising…… together.✨ Get full access to For the Love of Humanity at www.fortheloveofhumanity.community/subscribe

In this episode of the For the Love of Humanity Podcast, we explore how our day-to-day actions in philanthropy may unknowingly perpetuate systemic issues like racism, sexism, ableism, and classism. We delve into the importance of inner work in philanthropy, emphasizing that this field is more than just an industry — it's about nurturing our shared humanity.Through stories and insights, we illustrate the deep impact of unaddressed tensions and biases within organizations. The episode also introduces the Wisdom Circle for Philanthropy, a community-based professional development initiative designed to foster healthier, more effective work — and to nurture your holistic wellness. Tune into this episode to learn how your inner work is truly essential for the human-to-human fundraising you’re doing. 00:00 | Intro: The Magic Wand of Philanthropy 01:34 | Welcome to the For the Love of Humanity Podcast 02:40 | The Importance of Inner Work in Philanthropy 05:19 | Stories of De-humanization in Fundraising 14:54 | The Wisdom Circle for Philanthropy 27:46 | Subtle “Isms” in the Workplace 33:22 | The Vital Role of Inner Work in Fundraising 36:06 | Conclusion and Community Engagement Get full access to For the Love of Humanity at www.fortheloveofhumanity.community/subscribe

In this episode, Mallory Mitchell joins me in a wiiiiiide-ranging chat.Our discussion covers expansive topics, including the dehumanizing aspects of management systems… Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter… and the profound impacts of mortality on one's approach to life and work.Mallory shares personal stories that illuminate the principles of community-centric fundraising… and being human. The conversation also highlights the importance of creativity, commitment, authenticity, and mutual accountability in building resilient communities. This episode is a rich dialogue about re-centering community — and transforming fundraising to be more equitable, inclusive, and human-focused, in the process. Despite a few technical difficulties that might make the sound sound a little… wonky to you, you’re in for some valuable lessons and inspiration for fundraisers… and, really, anyone who cares about philanthropy… or being human.Episode Overview00:00 | Introduction: Connecting Beyoncé, Robots, and Fundraising 01:09 | Technical Difficulties and Gratitude 01:39 | Welcome to the For the Love of Humanity Podcast 02:45 | Introducing Mallory Mitchell 05:16 | Deep Dive: Dehumanization in the Workplace 17:43 | The Essence of Community and Accountability 22:51 | Reflecting on Mortality and Legacy 30:16 | Engage with the Podcast Community 31:28 | Human vs. Machine: The AI Conversation 32:45 | The Role of Creativity in the Age of AI 41:00 | The Human Touch in Fundraising 43:06 | Understanding Community-Centric Fundraising 49:32 | Healing Our Relationship with Money 57:35 | Imagining a Community-Centric Future 01:02:08 | Conclusion and Upcoming OfferingsMallory’s Links* Connect with Mallory on LinkedIn* Visit Aligned Strategy Group’s Website* Check Out Individual Giving 101!Join the conversation!Call or text (1-612-440-4819) to talk about your own experiences… and cast your own vision of how fundraising can be better. You can also add your thoughts and questions in the comments below. 👇🏻Let's start creating a new vision of fundraising…… together. ✨ Get full access to For the Love of Humanity at www.fortheloveofhumanity.community/subscribe

Settle into an episode covering many of the reasons that fundraising so often feels bad… and casting a vision of how it could be so much better. I’m offering you a new vision of fundraising as a community-building process — one grounded in human connection, transparency, and shared values. I’m also encouraging you to imagine a more meaningful and joyful approach to fundraising, emphasizing the importance of community and genuine human interactions in the process. Episode Overview00:00 | Introduction and Upcoming Episodes00:31 | The Struggles of Fundraising01:27 | Re-centering Community in Philanthropy02:33 | Common Misconceptions About Fundraising07:48 | The Complex Dynamics of Fundraising09:29 | Engage with Us10:26 | A New Vision for Fundraising16:02 | Conclusion and Call to ActionJoin the conversation!Call or text (1-612-440-4819) to talk about your own experiences… and cast your own vision of how fundraising can be better. You can also add your thoughts and questions in the comments below. 👇🏻  Let's start creating a new vision of fundraising…… together. ✨ Get full access to For the Love of Humanity at www.fortheloveofhumanity.community/subscribe

In the second episode of the For the Love of Humanity Podcast, I’m taking you with me to examine how philanthropy has shifted away from its roots in community care — as influenced by capitalism, patriarchy, and white supremacy. I’ll tell you why I believe that philanthropy needs to move away from corporate models and focus on being community-centric, and I’m advocating for transformative change in how nonprofit organizations operate.The episode explores historical context, the influence of industrialists like Andrew Carnegie and John Rockefeller, and challenges you to reflect on your values… and the true meaning of philanthropy.We’ll end with a call to action, where I challenge you and every other listener to prioritize people and community… in all philanthropic efforts.Episode Overview00:00 | Welcome to the For the Love of Humanity Podcast01:07 | Introduction to Episode01:56 | The Nonprofit Industrial Complex Must Be Composted06:01 | The Impact of Capitalism on Philanthropy08:48 | The Role of Patriarchy in Shaping Philanthropy12:37 | White Supremacy's Influence on Philanthropy14:52 | Corporate vs. Community-Centric Philanthropy19:57 | The True Value of Community and Relationships24:04 | Conclusion and Call to Action Get full access to For the Love of Humanity at www.fortheloveofhumanity.community/subscribe

In the inaugural episode of the For the Love of Humanity Podcast, I ask you to help me redefine “philanthropy” (a word that has come to mean “big bucks” and is now considered an “industry”) by urging a return to its roots — love of humanity.I explore how professionalizing philanthropy has distanced it from its core purpose, and I share my personal reflections on achieving a truer philanthropy… through inner healing and growing community.I’m calling for a collective shift away from individualism — to foster solidarity and compassion, ultimately aiming to transform both the field of professionalized philanthropy… and our wider world and shared reality.Don’t miss it! This episode sets the foundation for the themes and conversations that will be featured in podcast-episodes-yet-to-come.Episode Overview00:00 | Welcome to the For the Love of Humanity Podcast01:11 | Introduction to the Podcast and Host02:09 | The Evolution of Philanthropy04:17 | The Problem with Professionalized Philanthropy07:13 | The Need for Collective Healing11:25 | Personal Journey and Spiritual Insights17:48 | A Call for Inner Transformation24:49 | Conclusion and Call to Action Get full access to For the Love of Humanity at www.fortheloveofhumanity.community/subscribe

Tune in for a five-minute intro to this podcast. A tiny teaser episode! Get full access to For the Love of Humanity at www.fortheloveofhumanity.community/subscribe