In 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 Impact
00:51 The Origin Story of the Podcast
05:31 Introducing Erik Ayers and GoodSeeker
08:40 The Power of Small Stories
11:42 How Storytelling Helps Build Relationships
14:50 Advice for Collecting and Sharing Stories, and the Power of Prompts
18:22 Data on Eroding Trust in Nonprofits (And How to Build Trust)
21:27 More Advice on Writing Good Story Prompts
23:38 What Organizations Gain By Capturing and Organizing Stories
25:29 Barriers and Challenges in Story Collection and How to Address Them
29:17 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Find out more about GoodSeeker

GoodSeeker website: goodseeker.com
GoodSeeker on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/goodseeker-inc

About the Atlantic IMPACT podcast

Atlantic 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.