Shows
The Truman Charities PodcastBackpacks to Scholarships: Tools for Student Success | Support Education Foundation Ep. 158Educational support is more than just pencils, paper and textbooks. From helping children in need show up to school prepared to supporting teachers as they grow their skills, this episode explores how one foundation is helping fill the gaps that school budgets can't cover. Kristy Mathey, Senior Vice President at Educational Systems Federal Credit Union and Chair of the Support Education Foundation, joins host Jamie Truman to share how their work helps students succeed in school and even continue their education in college or trade programs. Learn how you can donate, volunteer, or partner with th...
2025-11-1914 min
The Truman Charities Podcast$43,750 Raised For Salute Military Golf Association And How Your Nonprofit Can Become A Truman Charities Beneficiary | Ep. 157Truman Charities just raised $43,750 for the Salute Military Golf Association, and your nonprofit could be next! In this episode, host Jamie Truman recaps their annual Halloween fundraiser, the community support that made it a success, and how they ensure every dollar raised goes directly to charity. You’ll also learn about the vetting process and the steps your organization can take to become a Truman Charities beneficiary. If you'd like to join the next event or partner with Truman Charities, visit trumancharities.com for more details.Connect with Jamie at Truman Charities:FacebookIns...
2025-11-1309 min
The Truman Charities Podcast13 Kids a Day: Why Nicole Giroux Is Fighting for a Cure for Pediatric Brain Cancer | Lilabean Foundation Ep. 15313 families a day are told their child has brain cancer. This statistic is rising, yet pediatric brain cancer is still underfunded and advances in treatment options aren't coming fast enough. In this episode, host Jamie Truman speaks with one mother who refused to wait and built a foundation to fund more research and bring hope to families. Nicole Giroux, founder of the Lilabean Foundation, shares how they’ve built a community that supports families, honors children affected by pediatric brain cancer, and funds the research needed to develop safer, more effective treatments. Learn how community fund...
2025-10-0820 min
The Truman Charities PodcastWhy Your Child’s Fundraiser Might Be Failing—And How to Fix It | Plus 15k Raised at Our Just TRYAN It Fundraiser Ep. 152$2.5 million raised and still going! Truman Charities continues to make an impact, and this time it's children that take center stage in our fundraising efforts. Their courage, energy, and teamwork show how giving back can inspire growth at every age. In this episode, host Jamie Truman recaps the JUST TRYAN IT Kids Triathlon that raised $15,000 to support families fighting pediatric cancer. From the fun atmosphere to a nerve-racking start to the race, you'll hear how the kids challenged themselves and found joy in giving back. Jamie also answers one of your most asked qu...
2025-10-0117 min
The Truman Charities PodcastWhat To Expect At Truman Charities Family Fun Event | Ep. 147Truman Charities, a 100% volunteer-based organization founded in 2010, has raised over $2 million through three annual charity events.Our upcoming Family Fun event on September 7th will benefit "Just TRYAN It," a local organization supporting families with children undergoing pediatric cancer treatment.My 9-year-old son, Dominic, has even created a team to involve his friends in the triathlon.The Family Fun event will take place at the Knights of Columbus from 2 PM to 5 PM on September 7th. We will have the Morazzi Pizza Truck, Clayboys Shave Ice, a Moon Bounce, and an open bar.
2025-08-1105 min
The Truman Charities PodcastThe Hidden Truth About the Childhood Chronic Illness Epidemic | Why More Kids Are Sick And What You Can Do | Documenting Hope Ep. 146 Diet, medications, environmental toxins... what’s really harming our kids? Beth Lambert of Documenting Hope joins host Jamie Truman to unpack the rise of chronic conditions in children and what conventional medicine misses when it comes to the health of our kids. She explains what she calls “the total load of modern living,” a cultural shift where kids are increasingly exposed to more processed food, technology, and chemicals putting stress on their developing bodies. Beth also shares how the organization is helping parents address the root causes of conditions like everything from developmental delays to autoimmun...
2025-07-2938 min
The Truman Charities PodcastREPLAY| From Cult Survivor to Yale Graduate and Loving Father of Three | Peter Gronvall's Story Ep 144Re-airing our most downloaded episode from our Vanishing Father's Series“To be a father was my way of breaking a cycle and starting over.” In this one sentence, today’s guest, Peter Gronvall, insightfully reflects on his journey to fatherhood after growing up in a cult.- During his conversation with host Jamie Truman, Peter discusses his experience living in two distinct worlds: One world where he and his eight siblings were subjected to severe emotional and physical abuse, and another where he was a dedicated student and spent time with friends. He shares how he and...
2025-06-2646 min
The Truman Charities PodcastThe Lasting Impact Of A Dad On A Child's Development | Father's Day Special Ep. 143Celebrating Fathers and the Impact of FatherhoodIn this special Father's Day episode of the Truman Charities podcast, host Jamie Truman celebrates fathers, particularly her husband Jerry Truman, co-founder of Truman Charities. Jamie outlines how Truman Charities started with Jerry's initiative to raise funds for Leukemia research and has since grown, raising over $2 million. She discusses the significant impact fathers have within the family unit and the alarming statistics on youths without fathers. Jamie shares insights from her book 'Vanishing Fathers: The Ripple Effect on Tomorrow's Generation,' which explores the societal consequences of fatherlessness. ...
2025-06-1509 min
The Truman Charities Podcast$48,000 Raised At Our Derby Party | The Unique Way We Got Our Guests Mingling And Giving Ep. 140We raised $48,000 for Interfaith Works at our Derby Party, with every dollar going directly to their job placement program. As a 100% volunteer-based organization since 2010, Truman Charities has raised over $2 million through three annual events supporting different causes each year.- Listen to Learn About....Interfaith Works Job Placement program Our generous sponsorsAnnual sponsorship opportunity Upcoming Truman Charities EventsThe unique way we got our guesting mingling and givingConnect with Jamie at Truman Charities:FacebookInstagramLinkedInWebsiteYouTubeEmail: info@trumancharities.comThis episode was post...
2025-05-2012 min
The Truman Charities PodcastHow Is Interfaith Works Changing The Lives Of Over 35,000 People In Montgomery County? Our Derby Party Benefiting Interfaith Works Is May 3rd; Learn About Some Of Our Amazing Prizes And Where You Can Register! | CEO Interfaith Works Courtney HallThere’s no one solution to poverty, but Interfaith Works has built a comprehensive network of services to help thousands of residents rebuild their lives.In this episode, CEO Courtney Hall shares real success stories and the programs that make them possible — from emergency housing and financial assistance to a food pantry and paid job training. We also explore how community involvement, including their partnership with Truman Charities, helps the organization grow and provide long-term support to those experiencing housing insecurity, hunger, and unemployment.If you want to help make an impact, don’t miss the Tr...
2025-04-0928 min
The Truman Charities PodcastWhat Impact Does A Safe Home Have On A Child's Education? | Boys Hope Girls Hope Baltimore Executive Director Arlene Hackbarth Ep. 132Structure, safety, and support – these are key factors in shaping a child’s future. But how can we help promising students living in Baltimore's most disadvantaged, low-income neighborhoods overcome the obstacles standing in their way? In this episode, host Jamie Truman welcomes Arlene Hackbarth to share how Boys Hope Girls Hope Baltimore is transforming lives through stability, education and long-term mentorship. She highlights the challenges these students face, how their holistic approach nurtures potential, and the lasting impact of their Residential and After School Academy programs. Hear inspiring success stories and learn how you can help bring hope...
2025-01-2929 min
The Truman Charities PodcastGiving Tuesday | We Recap Some Of Our Favorite Charities We Interviewed In 2024 | Tips On Charitable Giving Ep. 127Join me, Jamie Truman, as we explore this question on a special Giving Tuesday edition of the Truman Charities Podcast. We promise you'll gain insights into making your charitable contributions count, we go over some of our favorite interviews from 2024 so you can find the charity that resonates with you!-I'm also filled with gratitude for our loyal listeners who continue to support us on this journey of generosity. Your feedback is our fuel, so please take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode. Connect with us on...
2024-12-0314 min
The Truman Charities Podcast$45,000 Raised At Our Halloween Party For A Young Boy Battling Brain Cancer | Q&A Should My Fundraiser Be Themed? Ep 124Costumes, prizes, and a powerful cause united the crowd at this year’s Truman Charities Halloween Bash. The event raised $45,000 to benefit For The Kids, with all the proceeds directly supporting a young boy and his family in his battle with pediatric cancer. In this episode, host and co-founder Jamie Truman recaps the night’s best moments and highlights all the amazing donors and sponsors that made it possible.-You’ll also get a sneak peek into upcoming events, including the next Bethesda's Best Happy Hour, Derby Party, and more. Curious about hosting your own themed fundra...
2024-11-0713 min
The Truman Charities PodcastOctober Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month | Why Are Women Who Are Victims Of Domestic Abuse Not Able To Receive Essential Items? | Personal Care Foundation Founder Carol Freitas Ep. 123Personal care is something we often take for granted, but imagine if you couldn’t afford basic hygiene products like menstrual supplies, shampoo or toothpaste. For many survivors of domestic violence, this is a harsh reality as government assistance programs don’t cover essential hygiene items and this lack of access has a significant impact on their ability to rebuild their life.-In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, host Jamie Truman speaks to founder of the Personal Care Foundation, Carol Freitas. Her personal experience fueled her passion to provide these basic items to women, men and...
2024-10-2416 min
The Truman Charities PodcastJUST TRYAN IT Recap | Q&A Should You Host Your Fundraising Event At Your Home Or A Venue? Ep 120In this episode of the Truman Charities podcast, host, Jamie Truman, shares details about the organization's recent Family Fun event and discusses the importance and impact of events like the kids' triathlon by 'Just Tryan It' benefiting children undergoing cancer treatment. -Jamie also looks into a listener's question about the pros and cons of hosting a fundraiser at home versus a venue, offering practical tips and advice based on her extensive experience. Jamie wraps up by encouraging listeners to submit their questions for future episodes and promoting her book, the proceeds of which benefit at-risk youth.
2024-09-2515 min
The Truman Charities PodcastThe Devastating Issue Many Families Are Facing When They Have A Child In Treatment For Pediatric Cancer | Our Family Fun Event for JUST TRYAN IT Ep, 118A child’s cancer diagnosis can be a family's darkest moment, but it can also unite a community. For Mollie Darby, her son’s leukemia diagnosis showed her both the overwhelming challenges families face and the incredible power of community support. In this episode, she talks about her family’s emotional journey that inspired the creation of JUST TRYAN IT, an organization that provides financial assistance to families with children battling cancer.-Truman Charities hosts an annual family fun event to benefit JUST TRYAN IT, and we want to see you there this year! Join us on Sep...
2024-09-0416 min
The Truman Charities PodcastHow Does Music Impact Memory? Award-Winning Musician And Songwriter Emma G Delves Into How Music Stimulates The Brain To Record Memories And Aids In Memory Recovery | Ep. 117We all have favorite songs that take us back to special moments in our lives, songs that lift our spirits, songs that make us feel understood. In this episode, music's transformative power takes center stage as host Jamie Truman speaks to award-winning musician and songwriter Emma G.-Diagnosed with hydrocephalus as a child, music was the healing force that helped her process emotions, regain memories, and connect with the world around her. It was this experience and her passion for music that led her to create Yes Youth Coaching, a program that helps others find their...
2024-08-2135 min
The Truman Charities PodcastSimple And Effective Ways To Improve Your Mental Health And Others | FISH Apparel Company Co-Founder Bryan Fisher Ep. 116The smallest actions can profoundly impact the people around you. Bryan Fisher, this isn't just a philosophy but a practice. In this episode, he shares how he’s raising mental health awareness through his apparel company, FISH.-Driven to action by the suicide of his beloved coach and mentor, Brian Maynard Welsh, he co-founded FISH (Faith, Integrity, Strength, Honor) to spread Brian's message that "through adversity comes strength." Bryan reflects on the tremendous impact his death had on him and the community, and how he eventually transformed his pain into a mission to support both adults an...
2024-08-0827 minThe Truman Charities PodcastFather's Day Special: The Essential Role of Dads in the Family Ep. 112What impact does the absence of a father have on children and society at large? Join me, Jamie Truman, as we explore this critical issue on a heartfelt Father's Day episode of the Truman Charities podcast. We celebrate the incredible role fathers play, starting with a tribute to my husband and co-founder, Jerry Truman, whose small charity event 15 years ago set the wheels in motion for our organization. From that initial gathering, we've managed to raise over $2 million for various causes. Inspired by my podcast journey and conversations with over 100 nonprofit founders, I’ve written "Vanishing Fathers: The...
2024-06-1706 min
The Truman Charities PodcastThe #1 Cause of Death for Children Under 5 is Drowning, How Can We Protect Our Kids? | CAST Founder Liz Huber Ep. 109How can you ensure your child’s safety around water this summer? Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among young children, so this is a crucial question all parents need to ask themselves — and luckily, today’s episode provides answers.-Liz Huber is the founder of CAST (Creating Aquatic Safety Teams), a nonprofit organization that empowers families through water safety education and increased access to self-rescue lessons for children. She joins host Jamie Truman in this episode to discuss everything a parent needs to know about water safety, from the foundation of ISR lesson...
2024-05-1433 min
The Truman Charities Podcast1 Out of 3 Children Are On The Free And Reduced Lunch Program, How Can We Help These Kids? | KIND Founder Jeremy Lichtenstein Ep. 108Food insecurity can affect any community, regardless of its wealth. In Montgomery County, one third of children are on the free or reduced school lunch program, even though the county reports the second highest household income in the state.-Addressing this urgent need is Jeremy Lichtenstein, founder of KIND (Kids in Need Distributors). He speaks with host Jamie Truman about the organization’s mission to ensure children have meals not just at school, but also at home. Through efficient operations, KIND packs and distributes meals quickly — moving 115,000 food items in 30 minutes, ensuring every donated dollar directly supp...
2024-04-3015 min
The Truman Charities Podcast$63,000 Raised At Our Vanishing Fathers Book Launch | Our Derby Charity Party And My Upcoming TGIF Speaking Engagement Both Happening in May Ep 106Host Jamie Truman’s powerful book, Vanishing Fathers: The Ripple Effect on Tomorrow's Generation, is doing more than shedding light on the impact absent fathers have on their children and society. The book has achieved $63,000 in sales in less than two months, with 100% of the proceeds going to So What Else Youth Programs in D.C. and Baltimore.-In this episode, Jamie explains her personal inspiration for the book and what she discovered in her research, including the shocking statistics and moving stories from people she interviewed.-Plus, tune in to learn what ne...
2024-04-0809 min
The Truman Charities PodcastHow They Are Serving Over 56K People Nutritious Meals Daily | Meals on Wheels Takoma Park Executive Director Ruth Masterson Ep 105Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among seniors? Meals on Wheels Takoma Park plays a crucial role in preventing such incidents by delivering nutritious meals to at-risk adults in the community, leading to an 85% reduction in falls.-In this episode, Executive Director Ruth Masterson speaks with host Jamie Truman about the organization’s significant growth since the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, they served 56,000 meals to those in need and are expecting that number to keep growing. To support the increased demand, their mission is to expand their reach and social im...
2024-04-0419 min
The Truman Charities PodcastVanishing Fathers Series | Can one involved father have a lasting impact on future generations? Ep 103There’s no better way to measure the impact a present, loving father has on his family than by talking to his children and grandchildren. So in the finale of our Vanishing Fathers Series, host Jamie Truman sits down with Jerry and Zack Truman, the son and grandson of Gerald Truman.-Gerald reflects on the crucial familial support that shaped his life after his own father’s death, sharing the core values he learned as a child and then modeled in adulthood as a father and coach. His influence is evident in the lessons passed onto Jerr...
2024-03-1232 min
The Truman Charities PodcastVanishing Fathers Series | Overcoming A Childhood of Abuse, Victor Marx's Story Ep 102The impact of childhood trauma is profound, but it doesn't have to define your future. The story of Victor Marx is proof that resilience can lead to a life of healing and fulfillment. As Victor shares his emotional journey with host Jamie Truman, you’ll get a sense of the immense strength it takes to confront and heal the wounds of abuse and an absent father.-In this episode, Victor openly discusses how severe physical and sexual abuse at the hands of his stepfather affected his life, including his battle with PTSD, anger and anxiety. He al...
2024-03-0751 min
The Truman Charities PodcastVanishing Fathers Series | From Losing His Father to Becoming An Extraordinary Husband, Father & Coach | Gerald Truman Ep 101In the absence of a father, family plays a crucial role in the development of a child. They become a cornerstone of support, providing guidance to help them navigate life’s challenges.-In this episode of our Vanishing Fathers Series, host Jamie Truman is speaking to a very special guest: her father-in-law, Gerald Truman. His life poignantly illustrates the importance of family, who became a major influence on his personal growth and success after losing his father at a young age.-During their conversation, Gerald reflects on his journey through various hardships and th...
2024-03-0645 min
The Truman Charities PodcastVanishing Fathers Series | Everclear Lead Singer Art Alexakis | The Story Behind "Father of Mine" Ep 100Have you ever heard a song that you related to so much that you felt an immediate connection to it? For many people who have experienced abandonment by a parent, that song is Everclear’s 1997 hit, “Father of Mine.”-In this episode, Everclear lead singer, Art Alexakis, tells his personal story that inspired the song that still resonates with people of all ages. The divorce of his parents and subsequent abandonment by his father affected Art and his siblings in profound ways, but just like the song’s lyrics say, he was able to break the cycle an...
2024-02-2846 min
The Truman Charities PodcastVanishing Fathers Series | Recipe for Recovery Celebrity Chef Ashish Alfred's Story Ep.99Childhood serves as a crucial foundation for future learning and behavior, a period of time when children absorb lessons from adults around them, develop their sense of self, and gain confidence in their place in the world. In an inspiring conversation with host Jamie Truman, celebrity chef Ashish Alfred opens up about his complex relationship with his father and the impact of familial instability on his life.-As the owner of several restaurants Ashish has built a successful career — but his journey was not without its challenges. He offers a candid look into how family dynamics sha...
2024-02-2628 min
The Truman Charities PodcastVanishing Fathers Series | Becoming the Father He Never Had | Michael Callahan's Story Ep 98Does having a different father than your siblings shape one's sense of identity and family bonds? How is your outlook on fatherhood impacted by not knowing your own?-Host Jamie Truman sits down with her brother, Michael Callahan, in this episode to get answers to these questions and more. He shares what it was like growing up with a different father from his siblings, navigating complicated family dynamics and multiple stepfathers.-In a heartfelt conversation, Michael opens up about the loss of his biological father at a young age — before he ever got a...
2024-02-2033 min
The Truman Charities PodcastVanishing Fathers Series | From Cult Survivor to Yale Graduate and Loving Father of Three | Peter Gronvall's Story Ep 95“To be a father was my way of breaking a cycle and starting over.” In this one sentence, today’s guest, Peter Gronvall, insightfully reflects on his journey to fatherhood after growing up in a cult.- During his conversation with host Jamie Truman, Peter discusses his experience living in two distinct worlds: One world where he and his eight siblings were subjected to severe emotional and physical abuse, and another where he was a dedicated student and spent time with friends. He shares how he and his siblings persevered through these painful years, and the impact on his...
2024-02-0845 min
The Truman Charities PodcastCombating Ableism | Through Her Eyes Author Keshia LaVett Ep 93Keshia LaVett, in her novel Through Her Eyes, puts a spotlight on the often overlooked experiences of the visually impaired. Drawing from her rich background as an educator, LaVett brings to life the story of Hope, a young girl striving for independence while navigating the world with a visual impairment.-In this engaging conversation with host Jamie Truman, Keshia talks about the student that inspired the character of Hope and her passion for bringing more inclusive representation in children’s literature. She dives into issues of ableism and shares her personal observations as a literacy teacher, in...
2024-01-3128 min
The Truman Charities PodcastDriving Change: How Donating Cars and Real Estate Fuels Charitable Impact and Supports Seniors | Howard Pearl from CARS Ep 92“There’s 10,000 Americans turning 65 in this country every day, but there’s no real federally-based infrastructure to deal with dignity in aging,” says Howard Pearl, CEO of Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS). His organization is stepping up to meet this challenge, offering innovative transportation solutions for seniors and facilitating charitable donations in a way that maximizes their impact across various nonprofit sectors. In this episode, Howard speaks to host Jamie Truman about the organization’s unique mission, their process for partnering with nonprofits across the nation, and how their management of car and real estate donations have benefitted...
2024-01-1832 min
The Truman Charities Podcast$248,375 Raised In 2023 And What We Have Planned for 2024 | Ep 91Truman Charities is celebrating another successful year of giving!In this episode, host and co-founder Jamie Truman recaps their achievements in 2023, highlighting the year’s events that helped them raise a record $248,375. She emphasizes the crucial role of sponsors and community engagement for 100% volunteer-based organizations like theirs, helping them to support so many amazing organizations that are making a real difference. Jamie also teases what to expect in 2024, such as an exciting book launch and the first Bethesda’s Best Happy Hour of the year! Tune in as Jamie reflects on the past year a...
2024-01-0308 min
The Truman Charities PodcastWhat is Needed in Israel And The Misconceptions | The Global Action Institute with Ceila Cortes Ep.90Global Action Institute was founded in 2020 and has already raised over half a million dollars to help communities around the world. What makes this non-profit unique is its 100% volunteer-based framework and transparency with donors, allowing donors to steer their efforts to causes they care about. From sponsoring community gardens to their first project teaching women self-defense in Israel, the organization is dedicated to providing effective, immediate aid. In this episode, Jamie Truman is joined by co-founder Ceila Cortes to discuss Global Action Institute’s work and philanthropic goals for the future. She also talks about their hands-on app...
2023-12-1425 min