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Giving Voices

Giving Voices

Written by: Stefanie Borsari
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About this listen

If you want to hear real, relatable stories about the challenges & joys, dilemmas & successes behind and inherent in philanthropy, this podcast is for you. No jargon, no frills – just honest conversations with and about people who are working to make a difference in the world.

Join Philanthropy Advisor Stefanie Borsari and the Giving Voices listening community for geek-out sessions with philanthropists, donors, board members of private foundations, and their advisors.

And if you have a story to share, reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!

© 2025 Giving Voices
Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • UnCharitable Movie Discussion with Rick Peck, The Philanthropy Guy
    Feb 4 2025

    Why does the American public punish nonprofits for spending money? Why do we, as a society, apply different operating and economic standards to charitable entities than we do to commercial businesses? Rick Peck, independent philanthropy advisor with Richard C. Peck Consulting, LLC and founder of The Philanthropy Guy, LLC, joins me in discussing the full-length documentary film, UnCharitable, that aims to answer exactly those questions and more. Pop the popcorn, pour a drink, and consider this double standard and our observations about it's perpetuated. Even if you haven't watched the movie, the topic and our opinions about it are pretty clear!

    Bonus:

    The movie is based on the book by the same name, authored by Dan Palotta, who's made it his life's work to "transform the way the donating public thinks about charity and change." Pallotta's TED Talk,"The way we think about charity is dead wrong," has been viewed more than 5.5 million times and is the basis of UnCharitable, the movie.

    Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!

    Stefanie Borsari, Linked In

    Artwork by Justin Novick
    Special Thanks to Daya Ottley

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    33 mins
  • Meaningful Moments: Deborah Goldstein, Founder and Principal of Enlightened Philanthropy
    Jan 20 2025

    Deborah Goldstein and I cover the map today, going deep into a discussion about 'meaningful moments,' what is meant by the term 'philanthropic journey,' and how the word 'burden' is sometimes applied to the concept of philanthropy <-- what could possibly be burdensome about having such abundance that you can give money away?!

    As Founder and Principal of Enlightened Philanthropy and the creator and head counselor for Philanthropy Camp for Women, Deborah shares how her personal experience informs her philosophy and approach to working with both emerging and seasoned donors and explains how she helps people find the joy, meaning, and power in identifying as a philanthropist.

    Bonus: Deborah referenced two publications, including:

    • The Power of Moments by Brothers Chip Heath and Dan Heath
    • National Center for Family Philanthropy's research piece, Overcoming Psychological Barriers to Giving

    Also, check out Wikipedia for more information about tzedakah boxes and the concept of tzedakah itself.

    Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!

    Stefanie Borsari, Linked In

    Artwork by Justin Novick
    Special Thanks to Daya Ottley

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    40 mins
  • Complementary Forces for Good: John Farnam & Paul Heitzenrater
    Dec 10 2024

    John Farnam and Paul Heitzenrater describe the myriad ways they engage with their community (Denver) from collecting and donating socks and suitcases, growing and giving away fresh produce, to chairing galas that raise $1 million. Their combined generosity of time, treasure, talent (and ties and testimony) fulfills both urgent and basic needs as well as addresses systemic issues, even as they each approach philanthropy differently. In this episode, they share personal experiences that inform both their individual and joint perspectives. We all can learn something from these two beautiful humans and their embodiment of the literal meaning of the word 'philanthropy.'

    Bonus: Here are just three of the organizations John & Paul support --

    Urban Peak
    Mount View Boulevard Presbyterian Church
    Metro Caring, and here's a wonderful article about the organization that also spotlights their work

    Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!

    Stefanie Borsari, Linked In

    Artwork by Justin Novick
    Special Thanks to Daya Ottley

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
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