Shows
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Features Do Something Cool FoundationDr. Charity Dean, the public health leader who helped guide the strategic response to Covid-19 in California and elsewhere, shared her incredible personal story of being very poor, born on the side of the tracks in rural Oregon where the kids are never encouraged to seek college or any higher educational degree; in fact, Dr. Dean shared that she should have grown up to pump gas at the local station; she was regularly discouraged from seeking her dream of being a doctor and many doors were slammed in her face repeatedly. So, what drove her to succeed? She shares that...2025-02-1853 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy features Piece by PieceMosaics are defined as a picture or pattern produced by arranging together small colored pieces of hard material, such as stone, tile, or glass, resulting in the creation of something often ornate and beautiful. Sometimes, mosaics tell the story of what was, what is, or what can be…. Each mosaic is uniquely different and yet shares a common history - simply created from something else. As I was putting together this podcast episode, I couldn’t help but think about our lives that resemble mosaics in that we set out to create a plan or pattern that is predictable, or so...2025-02-051h 02
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy features Su CasaSu Casa in Spanish simply means your home - which if I take a little poetic license, could mean this space is your home or the contraction you’re, you are home - let’s go with you are home… The concept of home is something many of us often take for granted! Home can mean we can breathe, let down our hair, and be ourselves, and in general, we are in charge of our own lives, decisions we make, etc..for many, though this doesn’t exist or feels completely unattainable, not because it isn’t, but because there are...2025-01-281h 00
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Features Girls MatterWhat does the phrase, “education should be a right, not a privilege” mean to you? If you believe that access to education is not a privilege, but a right as is the human rights law guarantees, then, why are 61 million children not in school, and most of them girls? Educating children no matter where they are is one of the biggest factors toward ending extreme poverty. Education is not a privilege. It is, in fact, a human right. Education as a human right means: the right to education is legally guaranteed for all, without any discrimination; simply, there...2024-12-171h 01
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy features Our Community LALet’s take a moment and define community, particularly in today’s very divided and extraordinary divisive environment where community and, in many cases, democracy is misunderstood and missused. Community in its simplest form is often defined as a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals; upon further elaboration, it can include a joint ownership or liability - not sure I like liability part, but I get the nuance behind it, which I think is best articulated by Maya Angelou who beautifully wrote: “If it is true that a chain is only a...2024-11-1945 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy features The Boys & Girls Club of HollywoodWhen the typical person thinks of Hollywood, they think of fame & fortune, the whirlwind of celebrities, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the celebrity hand and foot cement impressions, Groman’s Chinese theatre, The Hollywood sign, and many more iconic symbols of glamor, representing the rich and famous…there is another part of Hollywood though, the real people who live there, and some of those real people are disadvantaged and marginalized, and don’t often have the opportunity to reach their potential. If they are given that opportunity to fulfill their goals by living up to their potential, they will become...2024-10-0847 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy features the Isabella Santos FoundationBeing the mother of 5 children, my 5th one, adopted later in his life and mine, the thought of losing any one of them, is unimaginable. This episode is about the unimaginable - a mother, a family, who lost a beautiful, funny, feisty, smart, caring, courageous 7-year-old to cancer. As many of you know, I have had my personal battle with cancer and currently, my younger brother is facing his - unless you have been through your own, it is hard to imagine the havoc that chemotherapy, radiation, and medications wreak on your body, not to mention your spirit when...2024-07-3040 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Features Onward IndustriesArmed with a 225,000 lb WWII- era wooden sailing craft, Greg Nichols, his wife, Nina and two kids, who actually live on this very unique and special vessel, serve as the catalyst in creating a learning environment that alters individuals’ mindsets forever by exposing them to the beauty and magic of learning through nature & community. This creates a lasting impression that being part of something bigger than oneself only aids in contributing to our shared legacy of caring for our world and our community. I cannot think of a more important lesson and one where our future, literally, resides. We nee...2024-07-0957 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Features SAILSIf you’ve ever been pregnant or been in the process of adopting or engaging in a surrogacy, you know the milestones set for each month of that journey and the belief of trusting the process, medical and emotional, that everything will work out as it should, meaning you will have a beautiful little life to whom you will love, cherish, and tend forever; that amazing feeling of anticipation just before the arrival, making sure the nursery is set, all the loose ends are tied up…and that moment comes, and then, there is silence..utter silence. That is the...2024-05-3054 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Features Legendary LegaciesDid you know that Black Youth are Almost Five Times As Likely To Be Incarcerated As their White Peers? The following are some data points from the Sentencing Project, captured by Josh Rovner and Ashley Nellis For a decade, incarceration disparities between Black and white youth have remained stubbornly high. As of 2021, Black youth were 4.7 times as likely to be placed, meaning detained or committed to juvenile facilities as their white peers. Forty-two percent of youths in placement are Black, even though Black Americans comprise only 15% of all youth across the United States. Since, Black...2024-05-011h 12
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Celebrates 10 Years of Jazz Hands For Autism About a year ago, we had a fabulous Small & Gutsy episode that featured Jazz Hands For Autism, a nonprofit organization that provides wrap-around artist education, development, promotion, and placement for learners and aspiring artists on the autism spectrum enabling them to explore and express their talent. Services offered include The Jazz Hands Concert Series: a semi-annual concert series and performance platform for neurodivergent artists, The Jazz Hands Musicians Academy: an individualized post-secondary music education and vocational program that prepares aspiring musicians on the autism spectrum for careers in music and The Jazz Hands Junior Academy: in-home and...2024-04-1647 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy features J3 FoundationReading skills unlock the world for us and unleash not just our curiosity, but grant us and gift us the power to often choose our paths. My two guests today know this all too well as their passion for helping kids learn to read began as a young married couple when they joined a USC alumni program reading with students every week at the USC “School of Five” inner-city elementary schools. They quickly became aware of the alarming number of students who were reading below grade level. It was then that the seeds of the positive impact on l...2024-03-191h 01
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy features MLK50Journalists and those who represent news platforms are generally trained to report on factual information; in a recent visit to the Shorenstein Institute, I was exposed to the incredible work they do to ensure that journalists have tools to accurately interpret the information that is coming at them so quickly - most journalists, I believe, care deeply about interpreting the facts correctly, however, some platforms purposely misconstrue or actually reconfigure facts to support their financial backer’s agenda - thus, creating a conflict of personal and professsional values. There is hope, however, in that some organizations will not settle fo...2024-02-2055 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy features Mountain Hazelnuts, Part 2Check out Part 1 of this amazing Social Enterprise and learn more about them at www.mountainhazelnuts.com 2024-01-161h 04
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Features Mountain HazelnutsEpisode #80, Parts I & I When you think of sustainability what comes to mind? Is it protecting the environment, proactively and effectively managing the climate for future generations to enjoy vs. using up what we have and finding other planets in which to inhabit? - The old throw away concept and let someone else deal with it - those someone elses are our children and grandchildren. Maybe it’s sustainability through community health efforts or education so we leave the world a better place as more people have greater needs. Have you ever had the experience of...2024-01-0948 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Features Runway4RecoveryGetting the news I have breast cancer was one of the most devastating messages I have ever received, not only for me but for my family - we are all affected by this disease in ways that many people don’t realize. I remember thinking, I am almost the same age as my grandmother when she died of breast cancer and I desperately wanted to have a different outcome - with all the progress made over the last 50 + years, will I have a different outcome? How long will I survive? What will my life be like forever after? Life wi...2023-12-051h 00
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy features Give FreelyWhat if you could financially support a nonprofit organization, doing what you personally believe contributes to making the world a better place, without actually spending even a dime? Sounds too good to be true, but this time it’s too good and very true! There is something in algorithmic data collection and internet savviness that makes even the most limited math student, me, understand the value of building a network of folks with shared values that frankly have the potential to become a movement. Give Freely is that movement. Give Freely is a browser extension designed to co...2023-11-2148 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy features Born2Lead FoundationLeadership is a huge topic that is often so tough to define; I have read articles that state that leadership can be taught; I have read articles that say leadership is something that is just inherent in you, either you have it or you don’t; - that seems quite ominous - almost like a weeding out process - like being chosen first or last for the basketball or volleyball team in gym class - why was that practice started anyway vs, just randomly assigning two groups of kids to just play? We all develop at different rates and why...2023-11-1248 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy features Angel Flight WestImagine you just heard the words, you have cancer or any other type of disease that needs treatment; I heard those words and my heart sank and my fear rose. However, I also knew that whatever medical care I needed would not be far away. I live in Los Angeles with some of the best medical care options; prior to that I lived in a suburb of Boston, also another amazing medical community. In fact, I often consult with an oncologist at The Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston while having my on the ground team, a combination from...2023-10-301h 00
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy features A Sense of HomeHow do you define ‘home’? - a place where you can let your hair down, be yourself, be safe, feel a sense of belonging? But what if that home were just an empty space, would you still feel the same? What if that home didn’t have your thumbprint, meaning your input on how it was decorated where you could truly find peace, knowing that this sacred space was a part of your caring community? It’s not the decorating and furniture per se, but what items that were chosen based on your preferences that make you feel you matter a...2023-10-0340 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy is INTERVIEWED by Fully AliveTHE TABLES HAVE TURNED for this Episode!! Fully Alive's Mary Meduna Gross interviewed me! I had the opportunity to share both about Small & Gutsy - its origins, and some personal details about my journey and a recent hiccup - Breast Cancer! Here are some Episode Highlights: How do you handle things when life throws difficult circumstances and challenges your way? In this episode, Laura Wittcoff shares her wisdom and insight to weather life's storms in the midst of making a positive impact and pursuing self-growth. How are we showing up when in...2023-09-2647 min
Fully AliveNavigating Life’s Challenges While Paying It Forward with Laura WittcoffHow do you handle things when life throws difficult circumstances and challenges your way?
Perhaps, there is a way to find meaning, growth and impact even in the most trying times...
Guest, Laura Wittcoff shares her wisdom and insight to weather life's storms in the midst of making a positive impact and pursuing self-growth.
Episode Highlights:
How are we showing up when in difficult circumstances
The possibility and good that comes from open mindfulness and welcoming change
Social impact, meaning and alignment of our work
Reciprocity of giving and appreciating others
...2023-09-2046 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Sleep in Heavenly PeaceI remember putting my kids to bed at night when they were young - giving them the security and comfort of knowing that their worries should be about their little life, not the big issues of financially and emotionally supporting them, giving them a roof over their heads, food, clothes and the importance of having a safe space in which to sleep - a bed of their own which may seem like a privilege, that if we can, every child should be able to experience…I think it’s actually not a privilege, but a rite of passage in some...2023-09-1944 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews The Mattering MovementWhat matters to you? It’s a different question than what makes you happy, according to our guest today whom I will introduce in a moment. Happiness stems from what really matters to the individual and many of us have lost our collective understanding of what matters means. But, it’s not too late - there’s hope for our youth and there’s hope for the rest of us! Finding out what matters to each of us is a very personal journey. To be seen, heard and valued so that each of us becomes a valued member o...2023-08-1547 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Hopeful Hearts MinistryI try to remind myself to be hopeful in times when I feel the walls are crashing in around me, maybe because of some bad news, like anything that threatens my children, my family, my health, my livelihood, the relationships I love and care about or maybe because of the state of the country, the world; perhaps a tragedy that is far away but feels so close to home emotionally. Usually, an initial feeling of hopelessness appears when I feel I have no control over the situation and need to dig deep to find hope whether through some kind...2023-08-0854 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Addi's Faith FoundationIn 2007, Amber and Tony Bender faced the unthinkable; they heard the words, your daughter, Addi has a brain tumor. Addi was sixteen months old and underwent with her family a year of surgeries, chemotherapy, hope and heartache, and finally, the sadness of brave Addi needing to let go - I truly cannot imagine the anguish…. Established in 2008 in honor of their daughter’s loving spirit, Addi’s Faith Foundation was born. They vowed to carry on her fight by funding critical childhood cancer research and helping as many families as possible. Just like little Addi Faith, AFF strive...2023-07-1842 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Creating CreatorsCreating Creators Foundation is the nonprofit side of Creating Creators, LLC, the for-profit organization that partners with school districts to help guide and develop students and teachers to discover skills and talents of their own that help them define who they are to the world and by doing so, how they can contribute to an industry that perhaps felt unreachable to them. Creating Creators is comprised of experts from all the diverse mediums of the film industry. At their core, they empower teachers to use the different skills needed to create films as a tool for teaching...2023-07-1152 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Waves of RecoveryImagine hanging out on the beach with friends, the sun is beaming, the waves are crashing and totally perfect, you have a beer or maybe a margarita or maybe a vape or a joint in your hand and are ready to party…this may seem like a typical scene for a lot of folks and, yet, it can also be a trigger for those who are in recovery or who want to embark on their recovery journey. Replacing those same scenarios with new meaning is key to staying sober. The insight, strength, and fortitude that folks engaged in recovery str...2023-06-271h 00
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Abode Communities' Beyond HomesEveryone wants a home, but a home is not a home without knowing you can support yourself in it, and be empowered to be part of a community - we are, in fact, all in this together. 55 years ago, in 1968, as a response to the discriminatory inequity in jobs, housing, and other basic rights exposed by the Civil Rights Movement, a group of folks founded Abode Communities in California, a nonprofit social enterprise. Abode Communities is truly reflective of its name, Communities; fostering a culture of housing inclusion by developing neighborhoods that empower the residents; this is...2023-06-1349 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Features Event Safety AllianceRemember your first concert, remember the excitement, the smells, the anticipation, remember being wowed by the band, remember standing up or maybe standing on your seat ready to join in with the crowd as a familiar cord was struck on the guitar or keyboard and sing or scream along - almost forgetting that you’re an audience member - we get caught up in that glorious moment, but most of us don’t often realize how much preparation goes into those events and I’m not talking about the featured band or headliner, but those in the background that work ti...2023-06-0647 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Big SundayBig Sunday is the big equalizer in my book - it brings people together in service to others - I cannot imagine a greater mission. Big Sunday was the brain child of Founder and Executive Director, David Levinson, beginning in 1999 as a Mitzvah Day Project at his Temple (Mitzvah meaning good deed as a way to repair the world) and with 200 volunteers that day, David imagined a much bigger purpose and embarked on opportunities to share giving back with 1000s of volunteers and in 2006, David was named California Nonprofit Leader of the Year. By 2009, Big Sunday had 50,000 volu...2023-04-1155 minSmall & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Jazz Hands for AutismIt's Autism Awareness Month! Jazz Hands For Autism, I just love the name, is a nonprofit organization that provides wrap-around artist education, development, promotion and placement for learners and aspiring artists on the autism spectrum enabling them to explore and express their talent. Services offered include: The Jazz Hands Concert Series: a semi-annual concert series and performance platform for neurodivergent artists, The Jazz Hands Musicians Academy: an individualized post-secondary music education and vocational program that prepares aspiring musicians on the autism spectrum for careers in music, and The Jazz Hands Junior Academy: in home and virtual music...2023-04-0451 minSmall & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Stop The VOIDToday’s podcast is featuring an organization that is doing something significant to fight this catastrophic fentanyl poisoning epidemic. Stop The VOID was formed to bring to the public’s attention, through education, awareness and legislative advocacy, the immediate danger of sudden death associated with the use of illicit drugs laced with deadly fentanyl. Their purpose is to educate youth about the danger of sudden deaths associated with fentanyl poisoning. They have created educational materials, public service announcements in the form of documentary type films which quite honestly are hard to watch but incredibly important. They...2022-12-2239 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy interviews Teens4TeensHelpMy incredible guests today are a combination of parent and peer - incredible parents, Jeff and Kathy Long who saw their daughter suffering and felt helpfless to do something about it - although they tried everything and found that there were resources that were not accessible in one place or not accessible at all or if they were, they were adults sharing their professional and sometimes personal expertise with youth - they even wrote a book about their experience, A Parent’s Guide to Anorexia. This significant gap they discovered became a precursor to the organization featured today… We know...2022-12-1350 minSmall & GutsySmall & Gutsy Unexpected Episode: Megan Witt Saved My LifeEver wonder why people come into your lives at certain times? Ever wonder in hindsight, why you neglected to trust your gut or second guessed yourself? Well, this podcast, we hope will renew your faith in whatever it is that you believe..G-D, karma, luck, spirit or power animals, humanity, faith, signs, really amazing friends, the list is endless; I am here on Podcast 61 of Small & Gutsy to remind you that no matter how small or insignificant something may be, if it means something to you then it is BIG and you can be GUTSY about it. In my...2022-10-1146 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Points For PatriotsPoints For Patriots provides the foundation for Patriot Fellows to build an athletic fundraiser in their community alongside Veteran Mentors to raise money for military families in need. AND, Along the way, Fellows and Mentors learn lifelong lessons in Wellness, Social Entrepreneurship, and Connectedness. Their long-term vision is to engage young people with Veteran mentors in all 50 states. Points For Patriots is bridging the military-civilian the divide. Listen to episode 60 and learn about the connection between tennis and post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. Check out their upcoming event on Sunday 9/11/2022 https://www.pointsforpatriots.or...2022-09-0652 minSmall & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Rainforest FlowRainforest Flow is a nonprofit that delivers clean water, sanitation, and hygiene programs to indigenous people in Manu Biosphere Reserve in Peru’s Amazon rainforest. Their collaborative, integrated, and sustainable WASH (water, - sanitation - health) programs empower indigenous people to become stewards of their own health, their environment and their resources which ultimately provides them a sustainable future. Since 2003, Rainforest Flow has collaborated with Peruvian health and environmental agencies and indigenous communities to deliver more than 64 million gallons of safe drinking water to four villages in this global biodiversity hotspot. Rainforest Flow trains...2022-08-311h 01
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Rainforest FlowRainforest Flow is a nonprofit that delivers clean water, sanitation, and hygiene programs to indigenous people in Manu Biosphere Reserve in Peru’s Amazon rainforest. Their collaborative, integrated, and sustainable WASH (water, - sanitation - health) programs empower indigenous people to become stewards of their own health, their environment and their resources which ultimately provides them a sustainable future. 2022-08-301h 01
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Saffyre SantuaryThe horse spirit animal represents freedom, adventurousness, mobility, independence, friendship and endurance. This majestic animal known for its beauty and stature has also endured pain, neglect and abuse through domestication and mistreatment for use in gambling, entertainment and sometimes, just pure gluttony. Esta Bernstein is the Founder of Saffyre Sanctuary, a horse rescue and rehabilitation program in the Los Angeles area that cares for horses that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. They provide every opportunity for them to experience the possibility of enjoying a second career, or offer them a well-deserved retirement. 2022-06-0752 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews The Lauder Employment CenterToday’s episode highlights an incredible organization that is affiliated with JNF, Jewish National Fund, and yes, JNF doesn’t fit our criteria of being under 10 million dollars, but the affiliate organization, The Lauder Employment Center, known as the LEC certainly does - I chose to not only highlight them for this episode, but ask you to please consider a donation for my April 1st./April Fool's birthday - my.jnf.org/laudercenter/Laurawittcoff Their mission is to diversify economic opportunities in Israel by providing career services through employee partnerships, training, resources, career counseling and actual internships that...2022-03-291h 05
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Threads WorldwideThreads Worldwide, a fair profit ( notice I didn’t say for-profit), social impact organization, was founded in 2011 by three women exemplifying Margaret Mead's words,“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” These women are, in fact, changing the world. They partner with artisans in developing countries by purchasing their jewelry and other handmade items, creating a growing market for handmade goods to sell in a networked model in the U.S. Threads Worldwide educates all of us on the life-changing power of fair trade commer...2022-03-081h 00
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Visionary WomenVisionary Women is built on the belief that women do and should empower one another through inspiration, mentorship, leadership and yes, resources; They create opportunities through multiple channels to offer engaging conversations with innovative female leaders, and fund high impact initiatives to lift up women and girls. 2022-02-2853 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Rapunzel AloneTheater is one of those experiences that is enhanced by the audience around us - by the reaction, by the community interaction, by the sheer feeling of having others witness what we ourselves are experiencing - it makes it all that much more real, sometimes, magical, sometimes, devastating…but always human….and always leads to a conversation about the topic of the theater production on so many levels. Rapunzel Alone is an incredible collaboration between 24th Street Theatre & The Wallis to bring Children's Theatre with adult-like themes. 2022-02-0758 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews The Survivor Mitzvah ProjectThe Survivor Mitzvah Project’s goal is that no Holocaust survivor who has experienced the darkest days of human history will ever be cold, hungry, or neglected again. 100% of every dollar donated for survivors goes directly into the hands of a Holocaust survivor in need. As Founder, Executive Director and Awakened Humanitarian, Zane Buzby shares, "we cannot do anything about the past, but we are in the position to write a more hopeful final chapter to the Holocaust, one of friendship, kindness and love". 2022-01-3157 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Georgia Van CuylenburgHow many of us as children had dreams of what we’d like to be, what our work might be when we grow up. Some of us knew quite early that we’d like to be doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, teachers, park rangers, pilots, chefs, builders; maybe some of us were involved in family businesses and imagined continuing that legacy, the list of options is vast, but few of us perhaps imagined that our life’s work and ambition was to spread positive messages for children around the world. Meet Do-Gooder, Georgia Van Cuylenburg 2022-01-101h 01
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews SparkShareSparkShare’s goal is to empower young people to be the change agents in their own communities as well as in their own lives.Their 3 driving principles that guide their work are: Listening to young people articulate what holds them and their peers back from opportunity, connecting youth with the resources and organizations they need, so they can solve the problems they identify, and Building partnerships that enable youth and adults to work together to create positive, lasting change in their community. 2022-01-0343 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews StartOutStartOut is a community of LGBTQ+ founders, professionals and their Allies with a national membership of over 17K. StartOut began in 2009 and has been the champion for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, promoting the successes of the LGBTQ community, as well as researching the economic impact of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. 2021-12-2745 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews UR Community CaresRecognizing the many challenges older adults face when beginning to experience declining physical and cognitive abilities, Michelle Puzzo and M.D. Birmingham decided to take action and founded UR Community Cares in 2019 in their home state of Connecticut. They built the UR Community Cares digital platform as a way to match those in need with those in the same community who are eager to help. UR Community Cares is dedicated to helping older and physically disabled residents stay safe in their homes and maintain quality of life. 2021-12-2044 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Bright InventionBright Invention, the genius output of creator, founder and Executive Director, Benjamin Lloyd uses a scenario-based technique as the foundation of this flexible and dynamic performing arts nonprofit which does three things: improvisation, corporate training, and creative work with marginalized communities. Bright Invention has become the epitome of a growth mindset by using improvisation to empower people and organizations to unlock their potential. 2021-12-1349 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews For Land and PeopleFor Land and People, the responsibility is in thinking about the here and now with a clear vision for the future. With an incredible team of experts leading this effort; For Land and People is determined to change the way we engage with each other, the Earth and the next generation of potential stewards, including and focusing on our disenfranchised and marginalized youth. What better way to engage young folks lost in our system of stigma and shame than to engage them in an environment of mentoring, leadership and kinesthetic learning using the soil and nature, to find a...2021-12-0645 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews The Wish ProjectThe Wish Project’s goal is to provide local people in need with basic furniture, home goods and baby items, while helping the planet by recycling used goods. In this way, individuals in pain can focus on getting the social services they need and the Wish Project is reducing our collective waste - a win-win! 2021-11-2941 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews The PhoenixRise, Recover and Live is the mantra of a movement started by Scott Strode and a core group of team members to be a safe, sober active community of peers who support each other every day on the journey to recovery. This peer-driven movement is called the Phoenix, clearly for a reason...the beautiful image of an immortal bird that cyclically renews and rises to become a stronger, better self is an impressive and guiding symbol. Their mission is to create a supportive community while building personal success - when others believe in you, you begin to believe in...2021-11-2249 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews REM and CompanyWhat do you get when, during COVID-19, you cross a group of students studying business who need internships, and small businesses who are struggling to survive with 1 really smart, hard-working entrepreneur who knows how to leverage learning with sustainability? REM and Company is a social impact initiative that is becoming an information hub! 2021-11-1542 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews BAGLYYouth Can Change the World or at Least Your World View In line with a true social movement and long before the days of community, political, or financial support, the Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth, known more commonly as BAGLY was founded by LGBTQ+ youth. Since1980, BAGLY has operated as a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community. 2021-11-0844 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Cooley's Anemia FoundationWhat began as the story of one man’s family is today the story of many families working together toward a common goal – better treatments and a cure for a disease that threatens our most precious resource – our children. Cooley’s Anemia or Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that reduces the production of functional hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen). 2021-11-0155 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews The Boston Bulldogs Running Club The Boston Bulldogs Running Club is a true success story in every sense of the sentiment. Coach Mike Ferullo began this journey as an 8th-grade dropout, 15-year old drug user, hooked on heroin by age 17, in and out of detox, and sometimes jail until at age 22. From this experience, volunteering, and returning to finish his education, in 2015, he established the Boston Bulldogs Running Club for all those adversely affected by addiction. 2021-10-2541 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Lydia Place Lydia Place’s mission is to disrupt the cycle of homelessness and promote sustained independence for current and future generations. Lydia Place has serves anyone experiencing homelessness and offering an array of programs to support the entire family. Their long-term vision is to have this generation be the last to experience homelessness - a truly beautiful vision. In their own words, every family deserves a home 2021-10-1847 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Beat the Streets New England The Five "E" High Fives are Foundational to the Success of BTSNE BTSNE is a groundbreaking Regional Wrestling Powerhouse that utilizes the sport of wrestling to provide opportunities for youth to discover their full potential by building relationships within themselves, their team, and their community. BTSNE focuses on their core values, the five “E” High Fives: Engage, Enrich, Evolve, Educate and Empower. Their mantra states it all: to give kids a fighting chance by using wrestling as a tool and motivator to overcome socio-economic injustices. 2021-10-1151 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews EmpowHerEmpowHer is the only gender-responsive organization in Los Angeles County that provides a social-emotional learning course during the school day in middle and high schools. Their programs serve to support girls in developing the necessary skills to boldly break ceilings, embrace their voices, engage in social justice, and end generational cycles of poverty. 2021-10-0437 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews My Recovery Day Skill-building and an Entrepreneurial Spirit Supports Recovery Having been an early and successful eBay user, Bill Tymoszczuk, AKA Bill T, discovered that eBay could be a great mechanism for making money and wanted to transfer that knowledge to support the men and women in recovery - he soon learned that technology skill-building along with an entrepreneurial spirit was essential in order to greatly reduce the risk that often threatens recovery. 2021-09-2746 minSmall & GutsySmall and Gutsy Test Hello world "This is a test quote" - Someone profound Here you can describe the post and the details about the interview 2021-09-2602 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews BreadrevBreadrev is committed to helping people bake beautiful, healthy bread and supporting commercializing it as a way of bringing balance to the baking industry in South Africa. Their tagline is Bake it, Build it, Learn it and their 3 Bread Revs are Bread Reverence, Bread Revolution, Bread Revival. Bread Rev is the answer to socially changing the South African community by literally and figuratively baking bread together! 2021-09-2040 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Cycle of Lives David Richman's incredible journey across the U.S and much more Our focus is on Cycle of Lives, a nonprofit started in 2013, and its inspiring project that resulted in a recently published book that David authored as a result of his 5,000-mile solo 6-week bike journey across the country, from Los Angeles to Florida to New York, linking 15 people, all impacted by cancer in different ways: patient, survivor, loved-one, researcher or caregiver. His book focuses on the emotional experience of cancer for each of the folks he interviewed - his gift i...2021-09-1349 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Dare to Dance in Public Promoting Dance that Happens in the Public Realm Dare to Dance in Public Film Festival is devoted to the international genre of screen dance. They are committed to promoting dance that happens in the public realm & alternative sites outside of studios and off traditional stages… dance that explores place and space engages an unsuspecting public and intersects with film. You can listen to the podcast below or wherever you listen to podcasts. Enjoy! 2021-09-0637 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Impact Video Group Video as a medium to share authentic stories of doing good Impact Video Group, a social impact video production company that ideates, creates, and films social impact campaigns that have a positive impact on people, the planet, and the community is Boston Tweet's Tom O'Keefe and his business partner and long-time friend, Jorgy Cruz’s latest endeavor. Using video as a medium to share authentic stories of doing good! 2021-08-3043 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Stride For Stride and Heart To Cart Two Incredible Nonprofits Founded by One Incredible Tom O'Keefe, AKA Boston Tweet Tom O’Keefe, not realizing that he is a nonprofit, social impact entrepreneur, began Boston Tweet, an independent Twitter account that highlighted businesses and organizations in the Boston area that needed a boost to rejuvenate them and raise their visibility to keep them in business. So Tom has a history of seeing gaps and jumping in to close them and staying focused on making a difference in the lives of others. You can listen to the podcast at...2021-08-2346 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews The Variety Boys and Girls Club Fulfilling the Needs of Children in Boyle Heights Since 1949, the Variety Boys & Girls Club has responded to the needs of children in the Boyle Heights/East Los Angeles community by offering academic and leadership development programs that encompass a myriad of intellectual, social, and physical arenas. You can listen to the podcast at the bottom of this page or wherever you listen to podcasts. Enjoy! 2021-08-1637 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Fairplay Creating a World where Children's Choices are not made by Corporate Profits Fairplay, formerly known as Campaign for Commercial-Free Childhood works to create a world where children’s lives are shaped by what’s best for them, not by corporate profits. One of their key projects, The Children’s Screen Time Action Network is a global membership organization, born out of the needs of educators, pediatricians, and other professionals working with children and the families they serve who are concerned about childhood tech use. You can listen to this episode at the bo...2021-08-0848 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Tennis for a Purpose Providing Opportunities for Underprivileged Youth through the Discipline of Sport (Tennis) Pablo Arraya recognized the need to serve others and 26 years ago, he opened the Arraya Tennis Academy, training many national champions and international players while providing over 120 tennis scholarships. From this effort, more recently, Tennis For a Purpose was born - its mission is to provide underprivileged youth with an athletic community and a positive environment encouraging responsibility, discipline, healthy habits and supports with college opportunities. You can listen to the podcast at the bottom of the page or wherever y...2021-08-0235 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews 24th Street Theatre Provocative Theatre Encourages Great Conversations Make-believe enhances our creativity and often builds the bridge between what we experience and how we feel and offers the opportunity to express those feelings and our curiosity about our world through play. Provocative theatre and arts education are mediums that provide the underpinnings of learning more about people and the world. Our featured organization sets the stage, literally, for young people and their families to have meaningful conversations about important issues that build character by actively engaging in and teaching many of life’s lessons. Yo...2021-07-261h 02
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews e-NABLE Enabling the Future Imagine what can happen when a group of very caring and very technically savvy individuals gets together to make others’ lives better? Real Magic happens. e-NABLE is an online global community of “Digital Humanitarian” volunteers who use their 3D printers to make their magic (free and low-cost prosthetic upper limb devices) for those in need. You can listen to this podcast at the bottom of the page or wherever you listen to podcasts. 2021-07-1940 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews LIVE4LALI Live4LALI is a Legacy for Support and Resources Many of us have lost friends and relatives to addiction, but few of us have been brave enough to build a program that fosters healing. The organization featured today was started, because a family was suffering and wanted to prevent another family from experiencing that same loss and sadness. LIVE4LALI is a legacy for harm reduction, resources, and ending the stigma associated with substance use. You can listen to the podcast at the bottom of the page or wherever you listen...2021-07-1245 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Random Acts Change the World with One Random Act at a Time It takes vision, optimism, deep belief and many, many volunteers with truly big hearts to put into practice all that is kind which results in the betterment of humanity. Over 10 years ago, one man had a vision that the world could really change with single acts of kindness and, in a moment, you’ll hear about how that concept has changed the way we collectively think about giving of ourselves, our resources, and our hearts. ...2021-07-0551 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Hollenbeck PAL Building the Bonds Between Cops and Kids Through a partnership of community and law enforcement, Hollenbeck PAL’S mission is to nurture young people to become responsible, productive, and law-abiding citizens by offering character-building, education, sports, financial literacy, and life-enhancing programs to low and moderate-income families. Some of those programs this podcast features are Pal-Up, Get it Straight, Sports 4 Kids, and Life Camera Action. You can listen to the podcast at the bottom of the page or wherever you listen to podcasts. Enjoy! ...2021-06-2842 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Cyclical LA Leadership Can Be a Calling Cyclical LA is a collective of leaders is an ecumenical community of innovators that share a common culture and set of practices created to thoughtfully start new churches across Los Angeles. Cyclical Los Angeles has 12 core values that drive their offerings for Discerners, Starters, and established Churches to support sustainability. You can listen to the podcast at the bottom of the page or wherever you listen to podcasts. Enjoy! 2021-06-2137 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews John Tracy CenterAfter Hollywood legend, Spencer Tracy, and his wife, Louise Tracy's infant son was diagnosed with a profound hearing loss in 1925, Louise Treadwell Tracy devoted her time and energy to studying how deaf children could be taught to communicate with the hearing and speaking world. She patiently guided her son, John, into an understanding of language and lip-reading. With her encouragement, he learned to speak. John Tracy Center was established in 1943 and offers so many children an opportunity to be engaged in the speaking world. #andradaymusic; #lakeshow2021-06-1444 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Safe Parking LAMost of us never have to consider our car as our home, but some of us do….and as the featured organization will soon share: nobody plans to be homeless...Founded in 2016, Safe Parking LA is a coordinating organization for the community which assists homeless families and individuals living in their vehicles. They support the implementation of "Safe Parking Lots", by providing individuals a safe place to park each night, restroom access, a security guard, and social service resources.2021-06-0746 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy interviews Arizona Opera Music can relax the mind, energize the body, and even help people better manage pain. Music is also known to evoke memories. In his article, How Opera Makes Brain Sense, Dr. Norman N. Holland discusses the complexity of opera and our response to both the music and the specific situational story that evokes emotion, tying the emotion and situation together as compared to other mediums where a story is unfolding over time. It’s what he calls music drama; with opera, our emotions shift from situation to situation as the music and specific moments are intertwined.2021-05-3139 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy interviews Heroes of ColorCan you look in the mirror and see the hero or heroine that may be inside you? Why shouldn’t all children be exposed to heroic figures from history who look like them? How can they feel not just a sense of pride, but a sense of true belonging as folks who look like them have contributed and continue to contribute to our world in significant ways? That genuine pride of being connected to a fundamental part of history gives any marginalized individual not just a sense of pride, but a sense of belonging in a world where being ma...2021-05-2459 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews GatewayGISWhat if an entire community got together and recognized how powerful it would be to collaborate on projects and opportunities using the concepts of geoscience and geospatial technologies? What if these projects propelled young students into envisioning new ways of understanding STEAM, the acronym for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics? And what if, by building their capacity, they contributed to the development of our collective future workforce? 2021-05-1744 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Anime For HumanityBehold, a new type of group emerges to try to reduce the stigma of mental health, not a 12-step or a therapy group or a coalition, but an anime club with a passion and commitment to community, connection, and support. Anime characters have their own difficult journeys, but somehow most always make it through successfully, providing the foundation for club members to share their own challenging experiences and seek support when needed.2021-05-1046 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews LifeActUntreated mental illness lies at the root of many barriers to adolescent success and is an underlying cause of suicide. The early detection and treatment of mental illness save young lives. LifeAct’s mission is to prevent suicide by teaching young people to recognize the warning signs of suicide in themselves and their peers and seek professional help. Life Act has a pro-active, positive approach to promoting life by preventing suicide.2021-05-0356 minSmall & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Heart-Centered Strategies CorpWhat if the world were a big neighborhood, with potluck dinners, shared lawnmowers, and goods and services offered to those who needed them from those who had an abundance? It's not charity; it's reciprocity of kindness. We all have things we don’t need and things we need; iShared provides the opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint by offering what we have to others and requesting things we need, all in our local area.2021-04-2636 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Rocket Rules, the Little Red Dalmatian with a Big Message Rocket is a Fantastic Teacher Rocket Rules, the adorable red Dalmatian, offers children the opportunity to learn about emergency preparedness along with other safety precautions to develop good instincts and build skills that ultimately can save their own and others' lives! You can listen to the episode at the bottom of the page or wherever you listen to podcasts! 2021-04-1947 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Adaptivities: A New Way to PlayAdaptivities has created a new way to play by adapting some of the best classic games for those with special needs; Adaptivities is a platform of adaptive resources to stimulate dialogue and to increase opportunities for fun, engaging and reciprocal interaction for anyone with special needs. Adaptivities offers Game Day promoting hours of stress- free play and entertainment by doing all the planning. You just get to show up, have fun and engage with others!2021-04-1246 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interview NSWMSocial workers are the best kept secret, because no one seems to know how valuable they are in every industry, not just as therapists. Although, they are certainly talented there. Learn about this amazing network that brings together social workers to engage in business discussions, share resources and advance their skill sets across various organizational sectors, all to benefit industry!2021-04-0540 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Girls Are LoudGirls Are Loud is a powerhouse of female musicians and producers ready to support any artist interested in recording; Girls Are Loud is changing the face of the music industry!2021-03-2934 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Harbor CampsWhat makes camp wonderful and magical? Community, safety and fun! Learn why Harbor Camps is so incredibly special to so many youth who might not otherwise experience the pure joy of camp! Come to the sing-along with me!2021-03-2242 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews Jeff's PlaceListen to Dr. Jennifer Kaplan's journey through her own loss to healing and guiding others to heal as well. A beautiful tribute to life through loss. www.jeffsplace.org 2021-03-1542 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews DCRCLearn about the amazing work of DCRC! DCRC works towards achieving a world where everyone’s voice and value is recognized, and there are no barriers to living a full life. DCRC is dedicated to: connecting people with disabilities to resources, training and advocacy tools; promoting disability pride; and building self-determined lives. 2021-03-0745 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews POPS The ClubTransforming Shame and stigma into hope and dignity is the mission and mantra of an incredible organization called POPS The Club. POPS the Club is based on the school club model and serves to support students whose parents or loved ones are in prison or jail. POPS The Club is designed to nourish and empower students through creative expression, emotional support, and the development of community. Tune in to learn about this amazing organization. https://popsclubs.org/2021-03-0143 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews United Playaz It Takes the Hood to Save the Hood United Playaz is a San Francisco-based violence prevention and youth development organization providing a comprehensive range of services to prepare vulnerable youth for higher education, employment, and healthy living within a safe, nurturing, and collaborative environment. United Playaz transforms the lives of students and staff while serving the community; they employ 80% formerly incarcerated individuals. You can listen to this episode at the bottom of the page or wherever you listen to podcasts. 2021-02-2242 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews The Natick Community Organic Farm Community Farming Should be a Mainstay for Every Community The Natick Community Organic Farm is an essential part of the community by opening up space for everyone to learn about agriculture and the environment and for the next generation, stewardship, ecology, and personal responsibility. Their motto: “Open from sun-up to sundown every day of the year with no admission fee” describes their dedication to the environment and the community! You can listen to this podcast at the bottom of the page or wherever you listen to po...2021-02-1548 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Features CultivaLALearn about how urban agriculture is changing Los Angeles for the better! CultivaLa is now a verb and you can CultivaLa too. Join this interview to learn how transforming food access through transforming urban agriculture is saving many and bringing back the legacy of farming as a sexy profession! www.cultivala.org 2021-02-0837 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews World Librarians World Librarians Makes Knowledge Accessible to Internet Devoid Areas Learn about increasing equity by making research and information accessible! World Librarians is a socio-technical system that bridges the digital divide by providing open access information through a process called Commons-Based Peer Production. They provide educational content to schools in Malawi, Kenya, and Ghana. The organization is a collaboration between teachers in Malawi and students at UMass Amherst. You can listen to the podcast at the bottom of this page, or you wherever you listen to...2021-02-0148 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Interviews ProduceGoodDo you have a fruit tree in your backyard or on your farm? What happens when the fruit grows and you’ve eaten or sold all you can? Do you let the rest drop to the ground? Many families in Southern California can benefit from the produce from these backyards and farms where their produce overage would otherwise be wasting away. ProduceGood is doing something about this. Learn about this amazing organization as well as gleaning, upcycling, food recovery and cosmetically challenged produce! ...2021-01-2636 min
Small & GutsyTower Cancer Research Foundation (TCRF)TCRF is a bold organization taking on an audacious challenge by funding cutting edge cancer research, in-house programs and community partners. Listen and learn why this organization is one of the Gutsy ones! Learn more about them at www.towercancer.org.2021-01-1941 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy Sneak PeakAnd here's a little history of why I started Small & Gutsy as we get ready to launch and celebrate our first organization!2021-01-1207 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy TrailerA little more information on the BIG little Social Impact Sector as we get ready to launch some amazing stories!2021-01-0803 min
Small & GutsySmall & Gutsy, The BIG little Social Impact SectorSmall & Gutsy offers our listeners the opportunity to learn about the smaller, less known nonprofits and social impact organizations with revenues under $10 M. Our aim is to tell their story and further build their client, potential employee, volunteer and funding networks. Focusing on this BIG, LITTLE Sector is our way of giving back to communities by bringing their stories to life and celebrating them. Tune in every week as we interview a different organization so you can learn about them, maybe find a job, volunteer, or donate.2021-01-0301 min