Atlantic 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 Intro
01:47 Mission, Programs, and How Shakespeare Transforms Students
08:53 The Power of Shakespearean Language
09:56 The Challenge of Awareness
13:25 Collecting Testimonials and Video Proof
16:38 How Shakespearience Gathered 1,000 Testimonials
19:12 Consent and Media Release Basics
20:09 Student Story: From Inferiority to Empowerment
24:04 Storytelling Advice for Other Nonprofits
25:32 How Listeners Can Help and Why It Matters
31:08 Final Reflections and Closing Credits

Find out more about Shakespearience Performing Arts

Website: shakespearience.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/ShakespeariencePerformingArts
YouTube: youtube.com/@shakespearienceperforminga5667
“Sizzle Reel”: youtu.be/JS3O5bZhby0?si=_R9FaFFYsYEYf0il

About the Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits podcast

Raising 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.