Podcast
Nonprofit on the Rocks
Hosted by Matt Kamin · EN
Passionate about making a difference but tired of dry, snooze-worthy industry podcasts? Nonprofit on the Rocks shakes things up with engaging conversations and actionable advice — all served with a drink in hand.
Join Envision Consulting co-founder and nonprofit expert, Matt Kamin, as he and his esteemed (and occasionally tipsy) guests dive into fundraising strategies, leadership challenges, and the latest trends shaping the nonprofit world.
Whether you're a seasoned pro, volunteer, or just here for the drinks, you'll leave with inspiring ideas to amplify your mission.
So pull up a seat, pour yourself something tasty, and join us for thought-provoking chats that spark positive change.
New episodes drop monthly — Cheers!
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S6:E4 -- "Senseis of Hiring" An introduction to "Around the Office" with Jessie Stegner
Mar 1000:09:31Tap to summarizeWe’re trying new things! In this special, mini-episode, host Matt Kamin introduces a new segment we’re calling, “Around the Office”, featuring conversations with the talented team of nonprofit experts at Envision Consulting. This inaugural episode welcomes the smart and funny Associate Director, Jessie Stegner, to discuss the future direction of the podcast and what nonprofit professionals really want to hear. KEY TOPICS: Why this podcast matters: The importance of creating content that helps nonprofit professionals feel seen and less alone in their struggles. Upcoming content plans: Focus on practical, actionable advice for nonprofit professionals. WHAT’S NEXT: First Around the Office episode: How to get a job in the nonprofit sector – featuring insider knowledge on resumes, interviews and what organizations are really looking for. Merger Deep Dive: Matt interviews his business partner and co-founder of Envision Consulting, Allison Fuller about nonprofit mergers. ABOUT ENVISION: Envision Consulting specializes in strategy and executive recruiting exclusively for nonprofits across the country. WHERE TO LISTEN: • All major podcast platforms • YouTube (audio episodes) • Website: www.envisionnonprofit.com GET INVOLVED: Have questions, topic ideas or guest suggestions for the show? Reach out to producer Ashley: ashley@envisionnonprofit.com
Transcribe →S6:E3 -- Navigating Charitable Giving with CEO of Charity Navigator, Michael Thatcher
Nov 21Tap to summarizeIn this special Thanksgiving episode of "Nonprofit on the Rocks," host Matt Kamin welcomes back Michael Thatcher, CEO of the nonprofit rating website, Charity Navigator, for an insightful conversation about the state of the nonprofit sector in America. Together, they discuss the challenges facing nonprofits today, including declining public trust, reduced government funding, and the increasing need for community support. Michael shares inspiring stories of generosity, explains how Charity Navigator empowers donors to make informed giving decisions, and highlights the vital role nonprofits play in everyday American life. The episode also covers practical ways listeners can give back—whether through donations, volunteering, or joining a nonprofit board—and ends with a heartfelt reminder of the importance of gratitude and collective action. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in making a positive impact during the holiday season and beyond.
Transcribe →S6:E2 -- "Leadership and Resilience in the Face of Disaster" Revisiting Liz Lin, CEO of the LAFD Foundation
Oct 2400:27:10Tap to summarizeMatt is joined by Liz Lin, CEO of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, to discuss the profound impact of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The conversation covers challenges faced by both the community and first responders, the critical role of the Foundation, and practical steps for preparedness and recovery. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: • Firsthand accounts of emergency response and the emotional toll on firefighters • The mission and work of the LAFD Foundation in supporting firefighters with essential equipment, resources and station upgrades • The importance of community support for first responders, including appropriate ways to show appreciation. • Guidance for homeowners and families on disaster preparedness, evacuation planning and recovery resources. • The ongoing needs of the LAFD and how public support makes a difference. RESOURCES: • Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: supportlafd.org • LAFD official information: lafd.org
Transcribe →S6:E1 -- Recruiting on the Rocks: a Hiring Happy Hour with Matt & Tom O'Connor
Oct 700:36:58Tap to summarizeWhat really happens when you put two nonprofit insiders in a room and ask them to solve the sector’s toughest hiring puzzles? In this episode, we sit down with Tom O’Connor, founder of TOC Arts Partners, to decode the mysteries of executive search, organizational strategy, and the human side of leadership. Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond résumés and reference checks. Tom shares why the best searches start with curiosity, how to spot the difference between a good candidate and the right candidate, and why transparency is the ultimate retention tool. Along the way, we explore the subtle art of “discovery,” the realities of uncertainty in the nonprofit world, and the power of building teams that are more than the sum of their job descriptions. Highlights include: • The “knife fight in a phone booth” reality of today’s talent market • How to turn candidate feedback into organizational growth • Why culture fit is more than a buzzword (and how to get it right) • The secret to making hiring less transactional and more transformational • Tom’s take on humility, humor, and the impact sector’s future Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a job-seeker, or just someone who loves a good story about people making a difference, this episode is your invitation to rethink what it means to build a great team.
Transcribe →Nonprofit on the Rocks Trailer 2025
Oct 200:01:04Tap to summarizeIt's a new season of Nonprofit on the Rocks! Host Matt Kamin is a nonprofit expert whose wealth of experience, wit and wisdom will help your nonprofit not only tackle today's challenges, but will also help build a stronger foundation for lasting impact in the future.
Transcribe →S5:E10 -- "Season of Giving," a Guide to Charitable Giving with Charity Navigator CEO, Michael Thatcher
Nov 27, 202401:13:53Tap to summarizeTis the season of giving--giving thanks, giving gifts, and giving money to your favorite charities. To help you “navigate” the complex charitable giving landscape, Matt talks to renaissance man, Michael Thatcher, the CEO of the nonprofit rating website, Charity Navigator. The pair discuss what makes a “good nonprofit;” how you measure impact; and the importance of strong leadership. They also delve into how you incorporate feedback into management; the possibility of a 360 review of Executive Directors; and the never-ending debate surrounding the controversial “80/20” rule that arbitrarily governs nonprofits’ financials. And did you know they recently launched a program called “Causeway” that allows you to give to “cause” instead of a single charity? It’s essentially a mutual fund that spreads your donation to multiple orgs supporting the same mission. Whether you’re a donor looking for where and how to give, or a nonprofit looking for how to get more traction or accurate information about your org on the site, this show has it all!
Transcribe →S5:E9 -- "The Audacity of Confidence" with Dr. Cid Pinedo, CEO of MAOF
Oct 15, 202401:03:15Tap to summarizeIn this lively and heartfelt episode, Matt dives deep into the world of nonprofit with his longtime pal, Dr. Cid Pinedo, President and CEO of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation. Cid shares his inspiring journey from aspiring priesthood in East LA to becoming the CEO of MAOF; his passion for helping under-resourced communities; the importance of serving with dignity; the challenges with government funding for nonprofits; and discovering the surprising love seniors have for Zumba! Along the way, the friends share plenty of laughs, sips of tequila and bourbon, and heartfelt anecdotes about life's detours, the audacity of confidence, and the profound impact of helping others. Whether you're into nonprofit work, curious about Sid’s billion-dollar dreams for MAOF, or just need some inspiration—and a laugh—this episode is for you! SHOW NOTES: 00:00 Opening quote from Cid 00:21 Meet Your Host and Producer: Matt and Ashley 01:18 Celebrating Growth and Success 02:13 Family and Listener Engagement 03:41 Surviving the Heatwave 04:51 Matt's Radio Face and Sid's Introduction 06:09 A Heartfelt Conversation with Sid 07:20 Sid's Journey into Nonprofit Work 10:35 The Importance of Impact and Service 18:02 Balancing Leadership and Connection 21:16 Guiding Principles and Mentorship 31:10 Mentorship and Unexpected Opportunities 33:03 Creating a Welcoming Environment as a Leader 34:48 Ambitious Growth Plans for MAOF 38:34 Balancing Growth and Quality of Service 41:10 Engaging and Motivating Board Members 49:43 Challenges with Government Funding 54:07 Overview of MAOF's Services and Impact 57:33 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Messages
Transcribe →S5:E8 "Embracing Ambition" with CEO, nonprofit coach, and author, Jenny Mitchell
Sep 5, 202401:09:40Tap to summarizeMatt talks to Jenny Mitchell, CEO, nonprofit coach, and author of “Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, be Seen and Lead.” The pair discuss the nitty-gritty of fundraising, including mastering the art of uncomfortable conversations and how to stay motivated and confidant when things aren’t going your way. If you've ever thought about starting your own coaching business or wondered if it's time to bring in a coach, we've got you covered. Plus, Jenny reveals that "compassion" literally means “to suffer alongside.” Who knew suffering could be so... comforting?
Transcribe →S5:E7 "Board Talk" with Board Experts, Jonathan Zeichner and Amy Friedman
Jul 18, 202401:10:20Tap to summarizeThis episode is all about boards! Matt talks all things board related with two experts, Jonathan Zeichner and Amy Friedman. All three of the voices on this episode have served as founders, executive directors, board members, and in the case of Matt and Jonathan: consultants. They have seen and experienced “the big board picture” from all angles and perspectives. They know, first hand, the good, the bad, and yes: the ugly. The three share stories from personal experience as well as answer questions from listeners looking to learn more about how to navigate the sometimes-rough terrain of board culture. Matt and Jonathan also talk about Envision Consulting’s newest project: “Board Builders,” a subscription service that is a literal “one stop shop” for all your board service needs, from finding board members, to onboarding and mentoring both them and the staff that supports them.
Transcribe →S5: E6 "Be the Change" Lessons from Ed O'Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation
May 23, 202401:08:43Tap to summarizeMatt talks to Ed O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. The pair dive into everything from how a president, whose face is carved on Mount Rushmore, doesn’t already have a library, to how one goes about starting and fundraising for, such a massive project. Additionally, they explore the conservation movement that TR started and the bipartisan support he, and the library named in his honor, have garnered in a divided Congress; the importance of knowing when it’s time to walk away (and, conversely, when it’s important to stay) Ed also sheds light on working for the Emmy winning Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and discusses his newly published book, “The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: the Women who Created a President”
Transcribe →