How do podcasts serve as a medium to address critical issues in nonprofit work while fostering personal and professional connections?
The conversation reveals how fostering dogs during the pandemic opened unexpected emotional and social doors.
“Nonprofits and foundations like to think of themselves as loving and nurturing, but their roots were not built in that.” ~ Michelle Muri (7:48)
Episode
The conversation explores the transformational role of podcasting in addressing structural inequities within the nonprofit sector. It reflects on how a podcast like The Ethical Rainmaker brings awareness to the complicity of nonprofits in systemic racism and highlights strategies for change. The discussion also showcases the importance of prioritizing diverse voices and topics often overlooked in mainstream conversations.
Michelle recounts the personal risks and rewards of creating a podcast, including sacrificing health insurance to hire the right talent and subsequently reaching a significant milestone of 50,000 downloads. She discusses how her work resonates in classrooms and professional spaces, extending their podcast’s influence beyond the digital realm. The conversation underscores how authentic, voice-driven storytelling can build meaningful connections and inspire change.
Takeaways
Creating a podcast can be a powerful platform — to address systemic issues and inspire institutional change.
Authenticity in podcasting — builds trust and connection with listeners and guests.
Nonprofits must confront their historical roots — in upholding systemic racism to foster true equity.
A podcast can double as an educational tool — when integrated into academic curricula.
Financial risks are often necessary — to achieve transformative goals in creative projects.
Diverse perspectives strengthen storytelling — by giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Effective communication is not just about content — but also about tone, energy, and delivery.
Resources
Community-Centric Fundraising — A content hub that centers people of color’s voices in nonprofits.
The Ethical Rainmaker — A podcast discussing systemic issues in the nonprofit sector.
Nonprofit AF Blog — A blog by Vu Le addressing nonprofit and fundraising issues.
The Alpaca Tribe Podcast — A podcast by Steve Hetherington.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)