Best DonorSearch Podcasts (2026)

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Talk To Almost Anyone: A Conversation with Tim Wilson 1:25:00

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17d ago1:25:00

1:25:00

Tim Wilson is the founder and host of People in Fundraising, the podcast spotlighting the people who fuel the nonprofit sector. With more than two decades in prospect development across higher education and healthcare—including leadership roles at Harvard Business School, Intermountain Healthcare, and now Weber State University—Tim brings deep expe…

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It's What Everyone Needs To Do: A Conversation with Hillary Cohen, a Top Five 2025 CNN Hero 26:09

22d ago26:09

26:09

Recognized as one of the Top Five CNN Heroes of 2025, Hillary Cohen is the co-founder of Every Day Action, a nonprofit tackling food waste and hunger by redirecting unused gourmet meals from Hollywood sets to people in need across Southern California. After years working as an assistant director and witnessing staggering amounts of food thrown away…

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You See Their Joy: A Conversation with Tim Woodward, A Top Five 2025 CNN Hero 35:12

1M ago35:12

35:12

Recognized as one of the Top Five CNN Heroes of 2025, Tim Woodward is the Executive Director and a founding force behind Animal Rescue Corps, the national nonprofit created in 2010 to confront large-scale animal cruelty wherever it occurs. What began with a small team determined to fill a devastating gap in animal protection has grown into a nation…

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We Want More Dogs, All The Dogs: A Conversation with Heidi Carman, A Top Five 2025 CNN Hero 29:12

1M ago29:12

29:12

Recognized as one of the Top Five CNN Heroes of 2025, Heidi Carman is the founder and Executive Director of First Responder Therapy Dogs, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of first responders. What began with Heidi and her own dog visiting local fire stations in California has grown into a national effort reaching firefig…

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They Let Themselves Be Free: A Conversation with Debra Des Vignes, A Top Five 2025 CNN Hero 37:00

2M ago37:00

37:00

Recognized as one of the Top Five CNN Heroes of 2025, Debra Des Vignes is the founder and Executive Director of the Indiana Prison Writers Workshop (IPWW), a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of incarcerated individuals through the power of creative writing. Launched in 2018 after her decade-long career as a crime reporter, IPWW began a…

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Friendly, Fabulous Foodbankers: A Conversation with Julie Yurko 51:10

2M ago51:10

51:10

Julie Yurko is President & CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank, where she leads a neighbor-centric transformation of the charitable food system to deliver dignified, equitable access across 13 counties. A respected nonprofit leader and past president of Apra International, she serves on the boards of the Global FoodBanking Network, Better Business B…

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Challenge and Opportunity: A Conversation with Leaders in Healthcare Philanthropy 27:18

2M ago27:18

27:18

In this special episode, we bring together some of the most influential voices in healthcare philanthropy—Nancy Bussani, Executive Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer for CommonSpirit Health and President of the CommonSpirit Health Foundation; Julie Cox, Vice President of Development at LifeBridge Health; John Drake, President of the BSW …

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Always Something More To Learn: A Conversation with Lindsey Nadeau 1:11:48

2M ago1:11:48

1:11:48

Lindsey Nadeau is Vice President of Philanthropy Insight at UNICEF USA, where she leads data-driven strategy and enterprise systems that deepen donor engagement and accelerate revenue growth. A nationally recognized voice in prospect development, she also serves as President-Elect of Apra International. In this episode, we follow Lindsey’s journey …

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Until We Get It Right: A Conversation with Christy Coleman 2:00:53

3M ago2:00:53

2:00:53

Christy Coleman is the Executive Director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, where she leads institutional efforts to reinterpret early American history and engage the public in complex national narratives. A nationally recognized museum leader, she was raised within the historically significant community of Williamsburg and played a significant…

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Right Out Of The Gate: A Conversation with Bill TeDesco 1:09:24

3M ago1:09:24

1:09:24

Bill TeDesco is the founder of DonorSearch, the leading provider of fundraising intelligence solutions in the nonprofit world. Raised in Pennsylvania, he studied Landscape Architecture and then earned a Master of Public Administration from Penn State before beginning his career in technology and then moving into a key development role at the Fund f…

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That Kid From Iowa: A Conversation with Brent Grinna 59:16

4M ago59:16

59:16

Brent Grinna is the founder and President of EverTrue, a platform reimagining how nonprofits connect with their supporters. Raised on a farm in Iowa, he went on to Brown University, where he captained the varsity football team and chaired the senior class gift campaign, before moving into the private equity and then earning his MBA at Harvard Busin…

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Monkey On My Back: A Conversation with David Callahan 1:00:22

4M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

David Callahan is the founder and editor of Inside Philanthropy, the leading site tracking “who’s funding what, and why,” and founder of Blue Tent, which guides progressive donors. Raised in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, he earned a B.A. from Hampshire College and a Ph.D. in Politics from Princeton. The author of nine books, including The Cheating …

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For The Next 100 Years: A Conversation with Dr. Abraham George 51:17

4M ago51:17

51:17

Dr. Abraham George is the founder of Shanti Bhavan and The George Foundation, dedicated to transforming the lives of India’s most disadvantaged children. A former captain in the Indian Army, he moved to the United States, earned an MBA and Ph.D. at NYU, and built a successful career in international finance before turning to philanthropy. His work …

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Family Values: A Conversation with Lee Ernst and Ted Grossnickle 52:01

5M ago52:01

52:01

In this episode, we speak with two leaders in philanthropy. Lee Ernst is Chief Executive Officer and Senior Consultant at Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates, where she leads strategic partnerships and new product development while advising nonprofit clients across education, the arts, and social services. Her career spans major institutions, inclu…

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The Vanguard: A Conversation with H. Art Taylor 1:33:30

5M ago1:33:30

1:33:30

H. Art Taylor is the President and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, representing fundraisers who generate over $100 billion in charitable support each year. He previously led the BBB Wise Giving Alliance for 23 years, advancing nonprofit transparency and donor trust, launching the Accredited Charity Seal and GiveSafely.io, and h…

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And Miles To Go Before I Sleep: A Conversation with Kay Sprinkel Grace 1:08:58

5M ago1:08:58

1:08:58

Kay Sprinkel Grace is one of the most respected voices in global fundraising and board leadership. As the founder of Transforming Philanthropy, she has worked with over 1,000 organizations worldwide and authored seven influential books, including "Beyond Fundraising" and "The AAA Way to Fundraising Success." Her impact has been recognized with some…

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In Concert: A Conversation with Sydney Moss 17:29

6M ago17:29

17:29

Sydney Moss is a junior at Dunwoody High School in Georgia and one of two recipients of the 2025 William R. Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Born with a rare liver disease, Sydney turned her health journey into a mission—launching Concert for a Cause while awaiting a trans…

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SOCKtober: A Conversation with Xavier "Javi" Swinarski 16:13

6M ago16:13

16:13

Xavier “Javi” Swinarski is a junior at Gilmour Academy and one of two recipients of the 2025 William R. Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Javi launched his annual “SOCKtober” sock drive in the fourth grade after learning that socks are the most requested item in homeless sh…

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Over The Moon: A Conversation with Brian Marquez-Hall 21:33

6M ago21:33

21:33

Brian Marquez-Hall is a Development Officer at the Southern Scholarship Foundation and one of two recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Young Professional award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. From launching inclusive initiatives and tripling donor gifts at Elder Care Services to raising $100,000 in just ten weeks at SSF, Brian has …

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Good People Do Good Things: A Conversation with Dwayne Ashley 1:08:23

6M ago1:08:23

1:08:23

Dwayne Ashley is the Founder and CEO of Bridge Philanthropic Consulting, the nation’s only full-service Black-owned fundraising firm. A passionate champion for social justice, he has raised over $2 billion to support communities of color. With more than 30 years of experience, he’s a respected leader, author, and advocate for equity in philanthropy…

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How To Make Magic: A Conversation with Roger Ali 55:09

7M ago55:09

55:09

Roger Ali is Chair of the AFP Global Board and one of the most respected voices in nonprofit leadership. With more than two decades in the field, he has led teams that have raised over $150 million through transformative capital campaigns and major gift strategies, holding senior roles at Niagara Health Foundation, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundati…

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Show Up Every Day: A Conversation with Abby Trahan 21:22

7M ago21:22

21:22

Abby Trahan is the Associate Director of Philanthropy at MD Anderson Cancer Center and one of two recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Young Professional award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In just five years, Abby has delivered transformational fundraising results—from growing monthly giving at the Houston Food Bank to securing …

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Spilling the Tea: A Conversation with Martha Schumacher 1:07:44

7M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Martha Schumacher is a global philanthropy strategist, leadership coach, and past chair of AFP International. As President of Hazen Consulting and founder of the Hazen Institute for Leadership Training, she’s spent over 25 years helping mission-driven organizations grow their impact—and their people. In this conversation, we explore the trails she …

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Let's Talk About Love: A Conversation with Dr. Jen Shang 40:30

8M ago40:30

40:30

Professor Jen Shang is Co-Founder and Director of the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy, and the world’s only philanthropic psychologist. She was the first person to earn a PhD in Philanthropy, and her research on donor identity and meaning has been featured in the New York Times, BBC, and Chronicle of Philanthropy. In 2025, she received AFP’s…

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What Gives You Life: A Conversation with Jeff Schreifels 1:03:30

8M ago1:03:30

1:03:30

Jeff Schreifels is Principal at Veritus Group and co-author of It’s Not JUST About the Donor. With over 35 years in nonprofit fundraising, he’s helped thousands of professionals create meaningful donor relationships and raise more money with integrity and heart. In this episode, we begin not in the office—but on the road—with Jeff’s 1,000-mile bike…

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Vocation: A Conversation with Jeremy Wells 37:46

8M ago37:46

37:46

Jeremy Wells is the Senior Vice President of Philanthropic Services at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. With more than twenty-five years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership, he's been instrumental in advancing equity and community-led solutions through philanthropy. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Jeremy was…

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What Drives Me Forward: A Conversation with Ashley Hufft 58:07

8M ago58:07

58:07

Ashley Hufft is President and CEO of Unbound, an international nonprofit based in Kansas City that partners with families worldwide on their self-directed paths out of poverty. A Harvard-trained attorney and anthropologist, Ashley has built a distinguished career advancing sustainable solutions to poverty, food insecurity, education, and gender equ…

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The Point You Do Not Go Past: A Conversation with Tom Ahern 51:49

9M ago51:49

51:49

Tom Ahern is one of the most influential voices in donor communications. The New York Times has called him “one of the country’s most sought-after creators of fundraising messages.” A self-described writer before he could write, he has authored multiple acclaimed books, trained thousands of fundraisers around the world, and most recently published …

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Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant: A Conversation with Sabrina Walker Hernandez 57:07

9M ago57:07

57:07

Sabrina Walker Hernandez is a consultant, coach, and facilitator who helps small nonprofits grow leadership, strengthen boards, and raise more money. She began her career in 1996 and spent 20 years with the Boys & Girls Clubs, including 11 as CEO in Edinburg, Texas, where she led a $12 million capital campaign, built a $500,000 endowment, and tripl…

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Launchpad: A Conversation with Rebecca and Chris van Bergen 58:50

9M ago58:50

58:50

Rebecca van Bergen and Chris Van Bergen are the visionary leaders behind Nest, a nonprofit advancing gender equity and economic inclusion in the global artisan and maker economy. As Founder and Executive Director, Rebecca launched Nest in 2006 at just 24, building partnerships with brands like Etsy and Patagonia to support over 250,000 artisans acr…

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This Miraculous Work: A Conversation with Karyn Grossman Gershon 56:49

9M ago56:49

56:49

Karyn Grossman Gershon is CEO of Project Kesher and the architect of its international network of feminist Jewish leaders. She has helped raise over $40 million to support Jewish women and girls across Eastern Europe and Israel, advancing gender equality, public health, and Jewish life. Most recently, she’s helped shape a gendered response to the w…

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The Painful Things: A Conversation with Eileen Heisman 1:34:09

10M ago1:34:09

1:34:09

Eileen Heisman is one of philanthropy’s most influential leaders. As the founding President and CEO of National Philanthropic Trust, she grew it into a global powerhouse, facilitating over $63 billion in charitable giving. A ten-time honoree on the NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50, she’s advised world leaders, taught at Penn, and shaped the…

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I'm Not Surrendering: A Conversation with Tony Martignetti 1:11:52

10M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

A former attorney who walked away from law to find his true calling in philanthropy, Tony Martignetti has spent over 27 years helping organizations grow and thrive. He’s the founder of Martignetti Planned Giving Advisors and the host of Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio, where he’s been sharing expert insights and candid conversations with nonprofit…

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Never In My Wildest Dreams: A Conversation with Maya Kuppermann 1:03:09

10M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

Maya Kupperman has spent her career building organizations that drive innovation in philanthropy. As co-founder and CEO of Temelio, she’s using AI to make grantmaking faster and more efficient. Before that, she helped grow MainStreet from a seed-stage startup to Series B and advised The Farmlink Project, which connects surplus farm produce to food …

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Creating Systems That Are Just: A Conversation with James Misner 1:06:12

10M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

James Misner is committed to building systems that create lasting impact. Growing up near Philadelphia in the 1990s, he was struck by his community’s negative attitudes toward refugees from the Balkans and Rwanda. This led him to study political science, work in resettlement, and dedicate his career to helping nonprofits secure the resources they n…

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The River: A Conversation with Jim Langley 1:04:52

11M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Jim Langley is a leading voice in philanthropy. As President of Langley Innovations, he’s helped hundreds of institutions rethink fundraising through research-driven strategies. A former advancement leader at Georgetown, UC San Diego, and Georgia Tech, he’s led groundbreaking campaigns and shaped best practices in donor engagement. Through his book…

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People-Powered: A Conversation with Sara Lomelin 1:03:56

11M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

Sara Lomelin is a philanthropy disruptor and the founding CEO of Philanthropy Together, a global movement advancing collective giving. She’s the creator of the Latino Giving Circle Network, the largest network of Latinx philanthropists in the U.S., and a TED speaker recognized on Forbes’ 50 Over 50: Impact List. Sara is passionate about shifting po…

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Be Ready: A Conversation with Sharise Harrison 1:16:24

11M ago1:16:24

1:16:24

Sharise Harrison is the Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services and Prospect Management at California State University-Sacramento. A leader in philanthropy and data equity, she’s spent over a decade redefining how nonprofits approach prospect research to reduce bias and build more inclusive fundraising practices. Sharise also serves as Pre…

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"Who Can I Help Today?": A Conversation with Natalie Silverstein 1:05:16

11M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

Natalie Silverstein is an author, speaker, and podcast host whose work is all about inspiring kindness and service in families and teens. Natalie is the founder of the New York affiliate of Doing Good Together and the host of the award-winning podcast Simple Acts, Big Impact: Celebrating Teen Changemakers, where she highlights incredible stories of…

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The Most Basic Cure for Everything: A Conversation with Heidi Johnson 50:51

12M ago50:51

50:51

Heidi Johnson is a nonprofit founder, storyteller, and the creator of Charity Matters, a platform and podcast highlighting everyday heroes who make the world better through service. After a personal tragedy in 2002, Heidi founded the Spiritual Care Guild at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which became a national model for pediatric chaplaincy. Tod…

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Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Mind: A Conversation with Payton McGriff, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 37:07

12M ago37:07

37:07

Payton McGriff is the founder and CEO of Style Her Empowered (SHE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls and women in Togo through education, employment, and innovation. Established in 2017 as a class project, SHE has grown into an international organization, providing over 1,500 girls with free uniforms, school fees, and resource…

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The Kids Still Need Us: A Conversation with Rachel Rutter, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 36:16

1y ago36:16

36:16

In this episode, we speak with Rachel Rutter, founder and executive director of Project Libertad, a nonprofit that supports unaccompanied immigrant youth with free legal representation, essential services, and newcomer programs. An immigration lawyer and passionate advocate, Rachel has been recognized as one of the Top Five CNN Heroes of 2024 for h…

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Reversing the Narrative: A Conversation with Yamilée Toussaint, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 40:50

1y ago40:50

40:50

Yamilée Toussaint is the founder and CEO of STEM From Dance, a trailblazing nonprofit that inspires girls from underrepresented communities to pursue STEM careers by merging the creativity of dance with the power of technology. An MIT graduate and former Teach for America educator, Yamilee has been recognized as a thought leader in reimagining STEM…

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Moonshot: A Conversation with Bill Littlejohn 1:18:03

1y ago1:18:03

1:18:03

Bill Littlejohn is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare philanthropy. As Senior Vice President and CEO of the Foundations of Sharp HealthCare, he has driven initiatives raising more than $300 million and spearheaded Sharp's $2 billion ENVISION campaign to transform healthcare in San Diego. A former AHP Chair and Si Seymour Award recipient, …

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Unconditional Love: A Conversation with Stephen Knight, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 25:28

1y ago25:28

25:28

Stephen Knight is one of the top five CNN Heroes of 2024 and the founder of Dogs Matter, a nonprofit organization that has provided foster care for over 1,200 pets belonging to individuals in substance abuse recovery. Inspired by his journey of overcoming addiction and the transformative bond with his rescue dog Jayde, Knight has created a program …

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A Refuge in Music: A Conversation with Ron Davis Alvarez, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 32:26

1y ago32:26

32:26

Ron Davis Alvarez is Founder of the Dream Orchestra in Gothenburg, Sweden and one of 2024's Top Five CNN Heroes. Since 2016, Ron has brought together refugees, immigrants, and locals, speaking in over 20 languages, to create music and build community. His work shows how people can rebuild lives and connect across cultures.…

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We Believe: A Conversation with Don Williams 59:46

1+ y ago59:46

59:46

The U.S. has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world with approximately 1.9 million people in federal and state prisons and local jails. 95% of those incarcerated today will be released but 70$ are likely to return to the system. However, for participants in Jumpstart, an innovative organization in South Carolina, the recidivism rate is…

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Superpowered: A Conversation with Devin Thorpe 46:26

1+ y ago46:26

46:26

Devin Thorpe is a best-selling author, new media journalist, and champion of social good. His show, Superpowers for Good, has featured over 1,200 influential guests and his articles and books, including "Crowdfunding For Social Good," have reached millions of readers around the world. In this episode, we discuss his journey from high finance to soc…

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Becoming More, Not Less, Human: A Conversation with Allison Fine 56:56

1+ y ago56:56

56:56

Allison Fine is a successful entrepreneur, futurist, and author of several award-winning books, including Momentum, Matterness, The Networked Nonprofit, and The Smart Nonprofit. She founded and ran nonprofit organizations, led nonprofit boards, served in elective office, and recently ran for Congress. In this episode, we discuss her work in politic…

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The Single Most Important Thing: A Conversation with Anthony Cernera 1:04:30

1+ y ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Anthony Cernera is dedicated to understanding how humans learn, grow, heal, and change. A three-time living organ donor, public speaker, consultant, researcher, and psychotherapist, Anthony has also led high-performing development teams for over sixteen years, managing campaigns from $25 million to $600 million. When not helping others, he voluntee…