Best Eric Ressler Podcasts (2025)

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Jonathan's Back?! Wins, Struggles, and What We Learned in 2025 33:26

Play Pause

6d ago33:26

33:26

After months away, Jonathan Hicken returns to Designing Tomorrow — and this time, we're recording from the brand new Seymour Studios at the Seymour Center in Santa Cruz. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan take a real look back at 2025: a year that felt like a grind but delivered surprising wins across the sector. They dig into what the data actuall…

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Design Your Board (Or It Will Design Itself) 47:50

17d ago47:50

47:50

What if the biggest barrier to your mission isn't funding, or talent, or market conditions — but the people sitting in your boardroom? Not because they're bad people. But because they don't have clear expectations about their role. They weren't trained on the very real skills required for governance. And they're shoved into systems that don't allow…

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What Happens When Organizations Can't Dream 37:24

24d ago37:24

37:24

What happens when organizations can't dream? Not because they lack vision. But because they're too busy scrambling to make payroll, chasing emergency grants, firefighting the latest crisis. Scarcity doesn't just drain bank accounts — it steals the capacity to imagine what's possible. In this episode, I sit down with Jamye Wooten, founder of CLLCTIV…

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Fewer Donors, Bigger Checks. Interpreting the Latest Giving Data. 51:38

1M ago51:38

51:38

We break down the 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy with the researchers who created it — exploring what this concentration means for nonprofit sustainability and the future of philanthropy. There’s a number that keeps showing up in conversations about American philanthropy. And it tells two completely different stories depending on how yo…

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Why Good Orgs Stall Out 8:18

2M ago8:18

8:18

The biggest barrier to your next stage isn’t lack of vision or resources. It’s the moment you stop imagining what could be and start protecting what already is. Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it t…

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Why Facts Don't Change Minds 32:29

2M ago32:29

32:29

In this episode, we're joined by Drew Dumsch, President and CEO of the Ecology School at River Bend Farm in Maine. Drew co-founded the organization 26 years ago with a premise that felt radical then and feels essential now: that ecological literacy — learning to read the landscape the way you learn to read a book — is foundational to creating engag…

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Growth Isn't Linear. It's Cyclical. 6:02

2M ago6:02

6:02

Once you see the pattern, you can't unsee it. Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do t…

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What Political Campaigns Know That Nonprofits Don't 39:44

3M ago39:44

39:44

By Eric Ressler

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What If It’s Not All Falling Apart? 7:50

3M ago7:50

7:50

The dominant narrative this year has been that everything’s falling apart. But what if we're manifesting a social impact doom loop? Why I have a newfound resurgence of hope and optimism for this work. Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share wi…

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The Funder Breaking All the (Fake) Rules 50:34

3M ago50:34

50:34

What if philanthropy, as we know it, is a flawed system? In this episode, we're joined by Jen Nguyen, a director at the Stupski Foundation, a unique "spend-down" organization designed to close its doors after giving away all of its assets by 2029. Jen, a former college counselor, provides an unapologetically candid look at a sector she may soon lea…

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You Can’t Control Everything (But You Can Control This) 6:14

3M ago6:14

6:14

Reflections on fear, control, and what you can actually do about it. As we head into year-end — often the most high-stakes season in our sector — this episode will help you develop the right mindset to navigate it skillfully. Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help …

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What If the Economy Were Built on Care? 29:25

4M ago29:25

29:25

What if everything you’ve been taught about economic progress is wrong? In this episode, Stacey Edgar — social worker turned social entrepreneur and now executive director of the International Folk Art Market — shares her journey through the “career jungle gym” of the social impact sector. We unpack her concept of artisan economics, a radically hum…

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The Vision Window is Open...For Now 7:12

4M ago7:12

7:12

How to recognize and act on the rare moments when transformation is possible. Join the conversation on substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/eressler/p/the-vision-window-is-openfor-now?r=8rkfl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked …

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Amanda Litman on How Real Change Happens 28:34

4M ago28:34

28:34

What if real change doesn't begin with institutions, campaigns, or capital — but with the people we invite into our lives? In this episode, Eric sits down with Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something and author of When We’re In Charge, to explore how small, human-scale actions can spark transformational impact — from politics to parenting to…

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What's Your Truth? 5:02

4M ago5:02

5:02

In this episode, I’m exploring a question that’s been showing up in a lot of our recent work — and in my own thinking: What is your truth? Links: 📝 Read the full essay version on our new Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/eressler/p/what-is-your-truth?r=8rkfl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=podcast&showWelcomeOnShare=true Listeners, now you can t…

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The Power (and Pitfalls) of Partnerships 30:10

5M ago30:10

30:10

Everyone loves the idea of collaboration — but real partnership? That’s harder. From mismatched visions to unclear roles, even the most well-intentioned alliances can go sideways fast. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan break down what makes partnerships work — and what to watch out for before saying yes. ➔ The five elements every partnership needs…

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How to Build a Strong Case for Support 28:00

5M ago28:00

28:00

Too many social impact leaders step into donor meetings with a bold vision — but an unclear case for why anyone should support it. Your case for support isn’t just a fundraising tool — it’s a strategic asset that can align your messaging, mobilize your team, and inspire serious investment in your mission. But only if you get it right. In this episo…

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Is Our Obsession with Efficiency Backfiring? 27:19

6M ago27:19

27:19

We’re constantly told to “do more with less” — but what if that’s the wrong goal altogether? In this episode, Eric and Jonathan challenge the traditional definition of efficiency and unpack why it can be a trap for social impact organizations. From donor pressure to staff burnout, they explore how the pursuit of efficiency often undermines effectiv…

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Storytelling For Complex Missions 23:43

6M ago23:43

23:43

Too many social impact organizations are stuck trying to explain everything they do — and in the process, end up saying nothing that sticks. When your mission is complex, how do you distill it into a clear, compelling story that actually resonates? In this episode, Eric and Jonathan dig into the storytelling struggles that come with multifaceted mi…

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Pros and Cons of Major Donors 34:14

7M ago34:14

34:14

Major donor funding can feel like the holy grail of nonprofit growth — big checks, deep relationships, and potentially game-changing support. But what’s often left out of the conversation? The risk. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan dive into the real tradeoffs of major donor programs — the power dynamics, the mission drift moments, and the long r…

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Designing Impact Reports That Actually Work 31:28

7M ago31:28

31:28

Annual reports shouldn’t feel like an obligation — they should feel like a gift. But for too many nonprofits, impact reporting is still stuck in the past: flat, uninspired, and quickly forgotten. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan unpack how to rethink your approach to reporting — and turn your annual impact story into one of your organization’s mo…

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How to Sell a Vision Before It’s Real 33:48

8M ago33:48

33:48

Social impact leaders are visionaries — but getting others to see what you see isn’t easy. When your work hasn’t caught up to your ambitions, how do you win over funders, staff, and partners who need proof before they commit? In this episode, Eric and Jonathan explore what it really takes to sell a bold new vision — even when the work is still taki…

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Eric’s 3-Part Content Strategy That Works Every Time 31:41

8M ago31:41

31:41

Nonprofit leaders know storytelling matters — but many are missing a critical opportunity to move hearts, shift narratives, and deepen support. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan pull back the curtain on why so much nonprofit content falls flat — and how a simple three-step framework can radically transform the way you communicate your mission. ➔ W…

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What to Do When Funders Say "No" 27:59

8M ago27:59

27:59

Not all “no’s” are equal—and if you’re in fundraising, you know that firsthand. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan unpack the three types of objections every social impact leader will face: the silent no, the vague no, and the hard no. They explore why each shows up, what it’s really signaling, and how to respond in a way that transforms rejection …

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The Sector Is Shifting: Here's How to Lead 25:55

9M ago25:55

25:55

Social impact leaders are scaling back, funding streams are evaporating, and public trust is eroding. In this candid kickoff to Season 4, Eric and Jonathan hold space for what’s really happening in the field—and why this moment demands courageous communication, community resilience, and reimagined leadership. This isn’t a time to shrink. It’s a tim…

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Stuff We've Messed Up (and Learned From) 37:13

9M ago37:13

37:13

To wrap Season 3, Eric and Jonathan are doing something different — and a little vulnerable. In this raw and unfiltered finale, they look back on the leadership decisions, strategic misfires, hiring blunders, and marketing missteps that didn’t go according to plan. No spin. No gloss. Just two founders owning their hardest lessons out loud. Why end …

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Jonathan’s Big Problem 32:34

9M ago32:34

32:34

What do you do when your mission is evolving… but your brand, programs, and funding strategy haven’t caught up yet? In this episode, Jonathan brings a live challenge to the table: a bold new vision for the Seymour Center that could reposition it as a hub for climate solutions and STEM leadership — but it comes with branding risks, potential backlas…

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How to Build a Sustainable Revenue Stream 43:19

9M ago43:19

43:19

The funding landscape is shifting, and relying on the same revenue strategies that got you here may not be enough to take your organization to the next level. Many nonprofits and social enterprises struggle to generate enough revenue—not just to sustain their work, but to fully fund their missions and reinvest in long-term growth. So how do you bui…

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Social Impact in the Era of Misinformation & Media Chaos 28:59

10M ago28:59

28:59

We are living through the biggest shift in media and marketing of our lifetimes. Misinformation spreads faster than ever, trust in institutions is crumbling, and social impact leaders are left navigating a fractured, chaotic digital landscape. So how do you build credibility, mobilize communities, and create real impact when attention is scattered …

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Beyond Vanity Metrics: Measuring Real Impact 32:15

10M ago32:15

32:15

Most social impact leaders think they’re measuring their impact — but are they really? Measuring impact is especially difficult when change happens over years or even decades, and when the outcomes are tied to complex, systemic issues. On top of that, the process of evaluation and measurement can feel like extra work — another task on an already fu…

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The Secret Behind High Growth Nonprofits 29:39

10M ago29:39

29:39

Nonprofit leaders constantly hear that diversifying revenue streams is the key to financial stability. But what if that advice isn't the whole story? Research shows that 90% of high-growth nonprofits rely on a single dominant funding source. Does that mean nonprofits should double down on one funding stream—or is there a smarter way to approach fun…

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Rethinking Failure in Social Impact 34:53

10M ago34:53

34:53

Failure isn’t just a possibility in social impact work — it’s inevitable. But are we failing constructively? In this episode, Eric and Jonathan break down the difference between constructive failure and harmful failure, and why embracing the right kind of failure is essential for innovation, leadership, and long-term impact. From team dynamics and …

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The Last Messaging Framework You’ll Ever Need 33:24

11M ago33:24

33:24

If you’ve ever felt like your messaging isn’t quite landing — like people don’t get it or aren’t inspired to take action — you’re not alone. We hear it all the time: “We’re struggling to tell our story.” But here’s the thing: your story isn’t the story that matters most. The real question is: How do you craft messaging that actually moves people? I…

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The Changing Work Culture in Social Impact 37:25

11M ago37:25

37:25

The way we work is changing — fast. Remote work, shifting boundaries, and evolving expectations have reshaped what it means to work in the social impact sector. But are nonprofits keeping up? In this episode, Jonathan and Eric dive into the unique challenges mission-driven organizations face in building a sustainable, healthy work culture. From bal…

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Why Confident Leaders Build Stronger Organizations 25:01

11M ago25:01

25:01

Confidence: it’s one of the most critical traits for effective leadership, but also one of the trickiest to master. In this episode of Designing Tomorrow, Eric and Jonathan dive into what it truly means to embody confidence as a social impact leader. From personal struggles with self-doubt to lessons on humility, resilience, and overconfidence, thi…

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The Right Way to Align Marketing and Fundraising 33:26

11M ago33:26

33:26

Marketing and fundraising are the lifeblood of social impact organizations. But too often, they're working in silos, disconnected, or even at odds with each other. This is a huge problem. Because when these two critical functions aren't aligned, it hurts your ability to build trust with donors, limits your fundraising potential, and ultimately redu…

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The Art and Science of Trust Building 39:03

12M ago39:03

39:03

Trust is not a given — it’s earned. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan explore how trust is shifting away from institutions and toward relationships, and why that’s reshaping the way nonprofits and social impact organizations must operate. You’ll gain insights on: The hidden power of impact storytelling and why nonprofits often overlook it. The fiv…

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Why Your Team Is Losing Motivation—and How to Stop It. 35:15

12M ago35:15

35:15

How do you keep your team energized, engaged, and aligned—especially in the demanding world of social impact? Passion and purpose are key, but they’re not enough on their own. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan unpack the essential elements of team motivation, exploring why some teams thrive while others stall, and revealing the missing ingredient …

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Rewind: When You Should (And Shouldn't) Rebrand 30:32

12M ago30:32

30:32

Rewind: This episode was orginally published in Season 2, Episode 1. New episodes from Season 3 will continue to publish next week. — You probably shouldn’t rebrand your social impact organization. Except, of course, when you really should. (wait, what?) Because when the conditions are right, a rebrand can be one of the most powerful ways to reach …

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Rewind: How Top Brands Win Your Attention. Every Time. 15:02

1y ago15:02

15:02

REWIND: This episode was originally released in Season 1, Episode 2. New episodes from Season 3 will drop in 2025. — Today, you’ll consume 74GB of information. That’s the equivalent of watching 16 movies. In one day. Our inboxes are overflowing, our social streams are noisy, we doom scroll short form content on apps purpose-built to hijack our atte…

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Why Most Activation Plans Fail and How to Fix Yours 40:00

1y ago40:00

40:00

Is your organization struggling to turn awareness into meaningful action? You’ve nailed the brand and the website, but supporters still aren’t stepping up. Why? In this episode, Eric and Jonathan tackle the critical but often overlooked concept of activation: turning passive attention into real-world impact. Whether you’re trying to inspire donatio…

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Ending Low Pay in the Social Impact Sector 30:28

1y ago30:28

30:28

Low pay the social impact sector is reaching a critical point. Leaders and workers alike are grappling with the harsh realities of compensation in an industry driven by passion and purpose. But at what cost? In the latest episode of Designing Tomorrow, Eric and Jonathan dive deep into this pressing issue, exploring: • The cultural shift around work…

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How to Stop Planning and Start Doing 26:55

1y ago26:55

26:55

"Is your strategic plan collecting digital dust?" That's the question every social impact leader needs to ask themselves. We've all been there — investing countless hours and resources into creating the perfect 3-year plan, only to have it sit unused on a shelf. But what if there was a better way? A more agile approach that could energize your team…

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Signs You’ve Lost Touch with Your Community 26:46

1y ago26:46

26:46

Are you losing touch with your community? It might be time to reconnect. As social impact leaders, we pour our hearts and souls into our work. But sometimes, in the rush to create change, we can drift away from the very people we're trying to serve. In our latest episode of Designing Tomorrow, we tackle this critical issue head-on. We explore the s…

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Getting Community Input Without Getting Derailed 27:16

1y ago27:16

27:16

"This looks great. Let me just get the board's input." Those words strike fear into the heart of every social impact leader. You've poured your heart and soul into a project, only to have it potentially derailed at the last minute. But what if getting community input didn't have to be so terrifying? What if there was a way to gather feedback that a…

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The Trap of Transactional Marketing 21:20

1y ago21:20

21:20

Are you falling into the trap of transactional marketing without even realizing it? In this episode of Designing Tomorrow, we dive deep into why social impact organizations often default to transactional marketing approaches - and the hidden dangers of this common mistake. We cover: The 6 reasons why we fall into the transactional marketing trap Wh…

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When (and How) to Take Big Risks 24:13

1y ago24:13

24:13

The social impact sector isn’t known for being very risky. In fact, it’s often quite the opposite. Too many orgs play it safe, afraid of over-scrutinization (the double standard is real here) and hoping to protect their mission and resources. But here’s the thing — sometimes the most dangerous thing is playing it too safe. In this episode, Jonathan…

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When Your Purpose Becomes a Problem 22:24

1y ago22:24

22:24

Is your organization's purpose secretly undermining its impact? In our latest episode of Designing Tomorrow, Jonathan and Eric tackle a provocative question: When does your purpose become a problem? We explore the hidden mistakes that can trap even the most well-intentioned social impact organizations, including: • Relying on wishful thinking inste…

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Brand Building is Hard to Measure. Here’s How You Do It. 29:07

1y ago29:07

29:07

Struggling to measure the impact of your branding and marketing efforts? You're not alone. Ironically, the more analytics tools we have to measure the success of our marketing efforts, the harder it seems to know what’s actually working. This is especially true of broader brand marketing efforts, which are harder to measure and don’t play nice with…

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Justifying the Investment in Brand Building 20:07

1y ago20:07

20:07

Branding/marketing isn’t going to do anything for your org…if you can’t fund it in the first place. Unfortunately, justifying the investment in this work — both money AND capacity — for social impact orgs doesn’t come as easily as it might for other sectors. And right now everyone is still stuck in the “do more with less” mentality. Here’s how to m…