Podcast
Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits
Hosted by Collaborative Cause Consulting · EN
Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits is a podcast for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and community-minded professionals who want to use storytelling more intentionally. Each episode features conversations about how story builds connection, strengthens fundraising, and supports long-term growth. Grounded in the realities of nonprofit work, the podcast explores practical ideas, lived experience, and real-world approaches to communication, community, and impact.
If your organization could use help turning its stories into stronger fundraising, visit collaborativecause.ca.
New episodes are released monthly. Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to be notified when they’re published. The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.
8episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Survivor-Led Storytelling with We’re Here For You Canada’s Sarah Sherman
2w ago00:30:06Tap to summarizeAfter seeing a group assembling comfort kits for unhoused women, Sarah Sherman realized the same kind of support could have helped after her own sexual assault forensic exam. In this episode, Sarah shares how that moment sparked We’re Here For You Canada, a volunteer-run charity that partners with hospitals to provide curated comfort kits to survivors of sexual violence. She explains what’s inside the kits, and why dignity, hope, and choice matter in post-assault care. Sarah also discusses hospital and community partnerships, expansion across Atlantic Canada and beyond, and how storytelling and language can reduce victim-blaming and drive systemic change.00:00 Introduction01:44 We’re Here For You Canada’s Origin Story03:56 What the Comfort Kits Include06:31 Dignity In Care07:47 Hospital Partnerships11:06 Growing Nationwide13:36 Adapting Stories and Messages for Diverse Audiences15:32 Survivor Feedback17:37 Care Without Reporting21:02 Storytelling as a Strategy to Drive Deeper Understanding22:22 Why Words Matter25:26 How To Support We’re Here For You Canada27:04 Final Reflections and Closing CreditsFind out more about We’re Here For You CanadaWebsite: werehereforyoucanada.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/werehereforyoucanadaInstagram: instagram.com/werehereforyoucanadaFacebook: facebook.com/werehereforyoucanadaAbout the Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits podcastRaising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits is a podcast for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and community-minded professionals who want to use storytelling more intentionally. Each episode features conversations about how story builds connection, strengthens fundraising, and supports long-term growth. Grounded in the realities of nonprofit work, the podcast explores practical ideas, lived experience, and real-world approaches to communication, community, and impact.If your organization could use help turning its stories into stronger fundraising, visit collaborativecause.ca.New episodes are released monthly. Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to be notified when they’re published. The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.
Transcribe →“Living, Breathing” Stories with Shakespearience’s Marvin Karon
Apr 2800:34:20Tap to summarizeAtlantic Impact is now Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits. We’re expanding beyond Atlantic Canada and speaking with organizations across the country about how they're using storytelling in their work.In this episode, we venture to Ontario to speak with Marvin Karon, Director of Shakespearience Performing Arts, which uses interactive Shakespeare-based programs to challenge young people (and adults) and build soft skills like confidence, communication, and resilience. Throughout the conversation, he tells powerful stories of how some of his students were transformed, while weaving in practical advice for nonprofits like how Shakespearience built an inventory of over a thousand testimonials, why video is the next frontier, and the importance of making sure your storytelling is “a living, breathing thing.”00:00 Season Relaunch and Guest Intro01:47 Mission, Programs, and How Shakespeare Transforms Students08:53 The Power of Shakespearean Language09:56 The Challenge of Awareness13:25 Collecting Testimonials and Video Proof16:38 How Shakespearience Gathered 1,000 Testimonials19:12 Consent and Media Release Basics20:09 Student Story: From Inferiority to Empowerment24:04 Storytelling Advice for Other Nonprofits25:32 How Listeners Can Help and Why It Matters31:08 Final Reflections and Closing CreditsFind out more about Shakespearience Performing ArtsWebsite: shakespearience.caFacebook: facebook.com/ShakespeariencePerformingArtsYouTube: youtube.com/@shakespearienceperforminga5667“Sizzle Reel”: youtu.be/JS3O5bZhby0?si=_R9FaFFYsYEYf0ilAbout the Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits podcastRaising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits, is a podcast where we explore how storytelling helps nonprofits strengthen fundraising and move their missions forward. Each episode features conversations with people working in community, sharing how story supports connection, impact, and long-term growth. Whether you're part of a nonprofit or simply care about your community, this podcast invites you to listen, reflect, and engage. If your organization could use help turning its stories into stronger fundraising, visit collaborativecause.ca.New episodes are released monthly. Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to be notified when they’re published. The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.
Transcribe →The Magic of In-Person Storytelling with FireLoch’s Jennifer DeCoste
Dec 1600:31:19Tap to summarizeCan small in-person storytelling circles drive big change in the nonprofit world? After her own experience with burnout, Jennifer DeCoste founded FireLoch as a place where her fellow burnt out peers in the nonprofit sector could rest and reconnect with their work. In this episode, Jennifer shares how untold stories catalyzed the creation of FireLoch, what kinds of storytelling feel most authentic to her, and why she’s prioritizing intimacy over scale.00:30 Jennifer DeCoste's Journey and FireLoch's Mission05:27 The Power of Speaking Up06:53 Jennifer’s Burnout and Recovery Journey10:18 FireLoch’s Funding Model - Who Supports Helping the Helpers14:33 Adapting the Narrative for Government Grant Programs vs Philanthropists 16:01 Collecting Outcome Stories in an Authentic Trust-Forward Way19:23 Collaboration and Partnership in Atlantic Canada21:15 Small Group In-Person Storytelling: Prioritizing People Over Promotion27:22 Evolving Language of Burnout, Wellness, and SuccessFind out more about FireLoch Website: fireloch.comFacebook: facebook.com/firelochInstagram: instagram.com/firelochLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/firelochAbout the Atlantic IMPACT podcastAtlantic IMPACT is a podcast that helps nonprofits across Atlantic Canada use storytelling to drive fundraising and awareness. Each episode features conversations with people working in community, sharing how story supports connection, impact, and long-term growth. Whether you're part of a nonprofit or simply care about your community, this podcast invites you to listen, reflect, and engage. Is your organization ready to tell its story? Take the free Storytelling Readiness Quiz at collaborativecause.ca/stories.The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.
Transcribe →The Humanity of Storytelling with Business and Arts NL’s Lynn Panting
Dec 900:26:11Tap to summarize“ Storytelling is imperfect and very human. And that's what makes it accessible.” In this episode, Lynn Panting of Business and Arts NL joins us to talk about storytelling, creativity, and connection. Lynn shares insights into the organization’s new Narrative Marketing Initiative, how to prioritize storytelling when capacity is limited, and the value of starting small and staying consistent.00:30 Introducing Lynn Panting and Business and Arts NL03:44 The Narrative Marketing Initiative09:35 Mentorship Success Stories13:11 Best Formats for Storytelling14:54 How to Get Started With Storytelling18:07 Overcoming Capacity Challenges21:15 The Role of Consistency and Regularity in Storytelling22:00 How Artists Benefit from Sharing Their StoryFind out more about Business and Arts NL Website: businessandartsnl.comInstagram: instagram.com/businessandartsnlFacebook: facebook.com/BusinessandArtsNLX: x.com/BizArtsNLYouTube:youtube.com/channel/UC3bzv4IcmsrmwrOgOsRrz-gLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/business-and-arts-nlAbout the Atlantic IMPACT podcastAtlantic IMPACT is a podcast that helps nonprofits across Atlantic Canada use storytelling to drive fundraising and awareness. Each episode features conversations with people working in community, sharing how story supports connection, impact, and long-term growth. Whether you're part of a nonprofit or simply care about your community, this podcast invites you to listen, reflect, and engage. Is your organization ready to tell its story? Take the free Storytelling Readiness Quiz at collaborativecause.ca/stories.The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.
Transcribe →The Art of Adapting Stories with The Gaia Project’s Travis Daley
Nov 2500:24:12Tap to summarizeThe same story can be told in many different ways. In this episode, The Gaia Project’s Strategic Partnerships Manager, Travis Daley, shares how this environmental and climate education organization adapts its storytelling depending on the audience (i.e. teachers vs government stakeholders vs donors) to make sure they resonate. He also brings insights on training your team to collect stories, how numbers intersect with narrative, and how The Gaia Project is doing more through cross-collaboration.00:37 Meet Travis Daley from The Gaia Project02:03 The Gaia Project's Mission and Programs03:52 Storytelling By and For Different Audiences09:31 Training Your Team to Collect Stories13:12 The Differences in How Kids and Adults Tell Stories14:33 Using Numbers to Support Your Narrative 18:47 Telling Stories in Tight Knit Communities21:31 Doing More Through Cross-CollaborationFind out more about The Gaia Project Website: thegaiaproject.caFacebook: facebook.com/gaiaprojectInstagram: instagram.com/thegaiaproject_LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/thegaiaproject-projetgaiaTikTok: tiktok.com/@thegaiaproject_About the Atlantic IMPACT podcastAtlantic IMPACT is a podcast that helps nonprofits across Atlantic Canada use storytelling to drive fundraising and awareness. Each episode features conversations with people working in community, sharing how story supports connection, impact, and long-term growth. Whether you're part of a nonprofit or simply care about your community, this podcast invites you to listen, reflect, and engage. Is your organization ready to tell its story? Take the free Storytelling Readiness Quiz at collaborativecause.ca/stories.The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.
Transcribe →The Five I’s of Storytelling with VRHF’s Hillary Webb
Nov 1100:38:10Tap to summarizePeople relate to people, not institutions. That’s why Hillary Webb, the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation’s Fund Development Manager, thinks of fundraisers as not just facilitators of funds but as stewards of stories. In this episode, Hillary shares her helpful and actionable “Five I’s of Storytelling,” advice for sharing sensitive or negative stories, and why she doesn’t see charitable organizations as competitors.00:41 Guest Introduction: Hillary Webb03:45 Fundraisers: Facilitators of Funds, Stewards of Stories06:53 Impactful Example: Sharon’s Story09:40 The Five I's of Storytelling13:50 Correcting Perceptions of How Healthcare is Funded16:07 How Hillary Collects Stories18:40 Collaboration in Atlantic Canada’s Nonprofit Sector21:10 Sharing Sensitive or Negative Stories27:56 The Experience For People Whose Stories Are Told30:43 Strengthening Social Media Through Trial and Error34:14 VRHF’s Current Needs and How to SupportFind out more about the Valley Regional Hospital FoundationVRHF Website: vrhfoundation.caVRHF Facebook: facebook.com/vrhfoundationVRHF Instagram: instagram.com/vrh_foundationAbout the Atlantic IMPACT podcastAtlantic IMPACT is a podcast that helps nonprofits across Atlantic Canada use storytelling to drive fundraising and awareness. Each episode features conversations with people working in community, sharing how story supports connection, impact, and long-term growth. Whether you're part of a nonprofit or simply care about your community, this podcast invites you to listen, reflect, and engage. Is your organization ready to tell its story? Take the free Storytelling Readiness Quiz at collaborativecause.ca/stories.The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.
Transcribe →The Power of Storytelling for Nonprofits with GoodSeeker’s Erik Ayers
Oct 2800:30:28Tap to summarizeIn the inaugural episode, co-hosts Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson introduce the origin story and mission of the series, which aims to help Atlantic Canada nonprofits leverage storytelling to enhance fundraising and community engagement. Then they sit down with Erik Ayers, Founder and CTO of GoodSeeker, to discuss the data-backed benefits of storytelling, how small stories are crucial for building trust and visibility, and how nonprofits can systematically collect and use stories to engage stakeholders and boost donor contributions.00:00 Introduction to The Atlantic Impact00:51 The Origin Story of the Podcast05:31 Introducing Erik Ayers and GoodSeeker08:40 The Power of Small Stories11:42 How Storytelling Helps Build Relationships14:50 Advice for Collecting and Sharing Stories, and the Power of Prompts18:22 Data on Eroding Trust in Nonprofits (And How to Build Trust)21:27 More Advice on Writing Good Story Prompts23:38 What Organizations Gain By Capturing and Organizing Stories25:29 Barriers and Challenges in Story Collection and How to Address Them29:17 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionFind out more about GoodSeekerGoodSeeker website: goodseeker.comGoodSeeker on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/goodseeker-incAbout the Atlantic IMPACT podcastAtlantic IMPACT is a podcast that helps nonprofits across Atlantic Canada use storytelling to drive fundraising and awareness. Each episode features conversations with people working in community, sharing how story supports connection, impact, and long-term growth. Whether you're part of a nonprofit or simply care about your community, this podcast invites you to listen, reflect, and engage. Is your organization ready to tell its story? Take the free Storytelling Readiness Quiz at collaborativecause.ca/stories.The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.
Transcribe →Introducing: Atlantic IMPACT
Oct 2100:00:53Tap to summarizeAtlantic IMPACT is a podcast that helps nonprofits across Atlantic Canada use storytelling to drive fundraising and awareness. Each episode features conversations with people working in community, sharing how story supports connection, impact, and long-term growth. Whether you're part of a nonprofit or simply care about your community, this podcast invites you to listen, reflect, and engage. Is your organization ready to tell its story? Take the free Storytelling Readiness Quiz at collaborativecause.ca/stories.The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.
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