Best Prevent Nonprofit Burnout Podcasts (2025)

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6: Why Disney's Magic Holds a Lesson for Nonprofit CEOs 13:12

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2h ago13:12

13:12

Have you ever had a staff member who seemed great on paper, or even had moments of brilliance, but behind the scenes, their toxic behavior slowly drained the energy out of your whole team? Maybe you found yourself thinking, “If I just give them one more chance, maybe this time it will stick.” Today, we’re exploring what happens when those second, t…

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5: Why It's So Hard for Nonprofits to Hire Right Now 8:32

6d ago8:32

8:32

Welcome back to Nonprofit CEO SPARK, the show that fuels your leadership, protects your energy, and helps you spark lasting change. I’m your host, Marcia Beckner. Let me paint the picture. You spend three hours writing a job posting. You list all the “must-haves,” cross your fingers, and wait. --> Fifty-three applications land in your inbox. --> On…

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4: What I Learned as an Interim Executive Director 10:14

6d ago10:14

10:14

Hey there, nonprofit leaders, and welcome back to Nonprofit CEO SPARK, the podcast that helps you fuel your leadership, protect your energy, and spark lasting change. In today’s episode, I’m sharing behind-the-scenes lessons from a unique opportunity I had in 2024, stepping in as the Interim Executive Director of a thriving arts nonprofit in Denver…

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3: Navigating Complex Staff Challenges with Grace 6:20

6d ago6:20

6:20

Let’s talk about something every nonprofit CEO and Executive Director will face… and usually at the most inconvenient moment possible. Picture this: It’s Monday morning. You’re halfway through your first cup of coffee, still convincing yourself this is going to be a productive day. You open your inbox, and there it is… a subject line from a staff m…

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2: The ONE Thing Nonprofit CEOs & EDs Can Control 7:09

6d ago7:09

7:09

If you’re a nonprofit CEO or Executive Director, you already know there are a million things you can’t control: The economy. Funder priorities. Donor preferences. That one staff member who thinks “fashionably late” is a cute personality trait. But there is one thing you can control, and it changes everything else. Back when I was an Executive Direc…

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1: Breaking the Silent Epidemic in Nonprofit Leadership 6:56

6d ago6:56

6:56

If you’re a nonprofit CEO or Executive Director, I have a question for you. How many mornings have you opened your laptop and thought, I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up? How many nights have you laid awake worried about staff conflict, budget gaps, and your organization’s long-term sustainability. Wondering if you’re holding your orga…

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0: What Nonprofit CEO SPARK Is All About 1:28

2M ago1:28

1:28

Find the full transcript for this episode and more resources for nonprofit leaders here. Hello, and welcome to my very first episode of the Nonprofit CEO SPARK podcast. I’m Marcia Beckner, and I help nonprofit CEOs, Executive Directors, and founders lead with confidence, boost team morale, and design inclusive cultures that fuel sustainable growth.…

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Introducing the "We Are For Good Podcast" 45:50

2M ago45:50

45:50

We here at Nonprofits Now would like to introduce you to our friends at the We Are for Good Podcast, where innovative philanthropy leaders share ideas and strategies that change the world. In addition to podcasts, the folks at We Are for Good also run a community hub where nonprofit professionals can connect and learn from each other. We were honor…

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Introducing "Becoming The Vision" 40:16

3M ago40:16

40:16

We here at Nonprofits Now have loved joining the vibrant community of philanthropy podcasters. We'd like to introduce you to our friends at Becoming The Vision, a podcast that believes we must change ourselves to change the world. Join hosts Dr. Chera Reid, Efraín Gutiérrez, and Dr. Trinel Torian as they interview visionaries inside and outside of …

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Introducing "Mission Forward with Carrie Fox" 34:46

3M ago34:46

34:46

We love introducing you to meaningful conversations and powerful ideas, and today, we're thrilled to bring you something a little different — a bonus episode from our friends at the Mission Forward podcast. If you haven’t tuned in yet, Mission Forward is all about the people and stories driving social change, and we think you’ll find a lot to love.…

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Author Barbara Kingsolver on How Urban and Rural America Became Enemies 34:59

4M ago34:59

34:59

Why are urban and rural America so at odds? Author Barbara Kingsolver has answers as she joins the second episode of our sister podcast from the Chronicle of Philanthropy: The Commons in Conversation. The Pulitzer Prize winner frequently writes and talks about the origins of — and cure for — what she calls "urban-rural antipathy." Her most recent n…

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Reid Hoffman and Cecilia Conrad on Rebuilding Trust in Institutions 30:24

4M ago30:24

30:24

We're excited to introduce you to the Chronicle of Philanthropy's latest podcast, The Commons in Conversation — a new show that explores how nonprofits and philanthropy can bring Americans together and strengthen fractured communities. The Commons in Conversation uncovers solutions in interviews with advocates, leaders, and thinkers, including phil…

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How to Stave Off Burnout 22:06

4M ago22:06

22:06

As federal spending cuts, government policy shifts, and economic turbulence roil the nonprofit world, nearly 90 percent of leaders are worried they’re burning out, according to a new study by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. To help leaders figure out how to avoid exhausting themselves and their staffs, we turned to Sean Goode, an executive c…

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Navigating Leadership Challenges 30:38

4M ago30:38

30:38

As leaders at every nonprofit — no matter the size or cause — grapple with challenges to their missions and finances, it’s especially important to tap into the wisdom of executives who have helped their organizations weather previous threats. Barron Segar is one of those leaders. He took over as head of World Food Program USA just a few months befo…

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How Valerie Jarrett Builds a Strong Executive Team 38:05

5M ago38:05

38:05

Valerie Jarrett is no stranger to the tough challenges nonprofit leaders face today. She is now head of the Obama Foundation, which is working to build an extensive library and community center in Chicago. From that perch she collaborates closely with leaders who pursue a wide range of social-change and economic development efforts. Jarrett built m…

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The Power of 4 Generations Working Together 30:22

5M ago30:22

30:22

Like all workplaces, nonprofits are now filled with up to four generations of workers as boomers work along with millennials and people in Generations X and Z. Each generation approaches work and careers differently, which leads to struggles at some organizations. But at the best-run nonprofits, leaders are ensuring that differences in work styles …

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Leading Amid Economic Uncertainty 34:42

5M ago34:42

34:42

Nonprofits are facing a series of financial hits — or bracing for them. Federal spending cuts have already forced many organizations to trim programs and lay off workers — and with policymakers considering more far-reaching reductions, additional austerity is likely. Meanwhile, the growing possibility of a recession could spell trouble for nonprofi…

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Smart Solutions to Hire and Retain Top Talent 31:20

6M ago31:20

31:20

With the prospect of an economic downturn looming ― and the number of nonprofit layoffs on the rise ― many leaders are coping with a jittery workforce and new pressures to keep staff members motivated. These new developments come on top of one of the most challenging staff recruitment landscapes in recent memory, after the Covid pandemic changed ho…

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Lessons in Leadership From Women of Color 31:08

6M ago31:08

31:08

As nonprofit leaders grapple with increasingly dire threats to their funding and missions, it’s more important than ever to understand what it takes to lead resilient organizations. For a look at what skills are most important, we hear from Vanessa Priya Daniel, who interviewed 45 social-justice leaders for her new book, Unrig the Game: What Women …

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Two CEOs on How to Get Boards to Help With Fundraising and More 35:10

6M ago35:10

35:10

Two leaders, Kathleen St. Louis Caliento and Nick Grono, join Chronicle CEO Stacy Palmer to explain how they have engaged their board in financial efforts. St. Louis Caliento runs Cara Collective, a Chicago nonprofit that helps low-income people find jobs. Grono heads the Freedom Fund, an organization that pools funds from donors who want to fight …

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How to Make Headway in a Polarized World 31:07

7M ago31:07

31:07

Tim Dixon, co-founder of More in Common, joins Chronicle CEO Stacy Palmer to offer research-based strategies leaders can use to bridge divides in the workplace and in their communities. More in Common helps political leaders and social-change movements strengthen their coalitions by including unlikely allies. Bridging divides is top-of-mind for non…

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Introducing "Nonprofits Now: Leading Today" 1:16

7M ago1:16

1:16

Nonprofit leaders are overworked, struggling to retain top talent, and facing budgetary shortfalls. In Nonprofits Now: Leading Today, host Stacy Palmer interviews innovative leaders who have developed smart solutions to common, tough challenges. The podcast series springs from an exclusive Chronicle of Philanthropy survey that uncovered troubling p…

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The Power of a Strong Parental Leave Policy with Lacey Kempinksi 41:47

11M ago41:47

41:47

If you're a nonprofit leader looking for strategies to help your organization retain more employees, then give this episode a listen. I sat down with special guest and founder of Balanced Good, Lacey Kempinski, to chat about how her organization is partnering with nonprofits to provide parental leave coverage. She dove into how she supports nonprof…

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Making the Pivot to Nonprofit Consulting with Julia Devine 49:08

12M ago49:08

49:08

If you've been thinking about a career change, but still want to stay in the nonprofit sector, then this episode is for you! I sat down with special guest, Julia Devine, founder of Relatable Nonprofit. She shared her journey from six-figure nonprofit job to consultant including how she made the shift, stepped out of her comfort zone, and what she w…

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Using Cross-Sector Collaboration to Maximize Your Impact with Jennifer Hutchins 46:49

1y ago46:49

46:49

If you're looking for ways to make a massive, lasting impact with your nonprofit, then this episode is for you. I sat down with special guest, Jennifer Hutchins Executive Director of the Maine Association of Nonprofits and collaboration expert. She spoke on the importance of collaborating across different sectors and how it has transformed nonprofi…

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Implementing Technology and Change in Your Nonprofit Effectively with Christa Stelzmuller 45:40

1y ago45:40

45:40

If you're a nonprofit leader looking to make a change in your organization, then this episode is for you! I sat down with Christa Stelzmuller, Chief Technology Officer of charity:water, to chat about how nonprofits can become more innovative. We dove into how to leverage technology, even if your nonprofit is small. Christa also shares strategies fo…

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Collecting and Communicating Impact Data in a Meaningful Way with John Mark Vanderpool 52:27

1y ago52:27

52:27

If you're looking for a way to improve your nonprofit's fundraising strategy, then this podcast episode is for you. I sat down with special guest and impact data expert, John Mark Vanderpool. He is diving into how to get clarity on your nonprofit's big goals, collect and translate data meaningfully, and put the right systems in place. This is a gre…

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Preventing Burnout for You and Your Team with Elle McPherson 45:03

1y ago45:03

45:03

Are you a nonprofit leader battling burnout? If you're working in the nonprofit sector, chances are you've had some experience with burnout, which is why I was so excited to sit down with special guest and nonprofit coach, Elle McPherson. She breaks down burnout red flags, contributing factors, balancing woo with logic, and so much more. This is a …

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Raise More Money by Creating Strong Donor Experiences with Barbara O'Reilly 40:36

1y ago40:36

40:36

Nonprofit leaders, if you're ready to catapult your revenue, then this episode is for you! I sat down with special guest, Barabara O'Reilly, expert fundraiser and CEO of Windmill Hill Consulting, to chat about what organizations can do to boost their fundraising revenue. We dove into what's holding nonprofits back and how they can grow to become fi…

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Capital Campaign Fundraising with Amy Varga 56:23

1y ago56:23

56:23

Are you a nonprofit leader wondering if your organization should launch a capital campaign? If you're on the fence about it, then this episode is for you. I'm chatting with special guest, Amy Varga, capital campaign expert and founder of The Varga Group. She dives into what you need to know, including how to leverage your donor base, conduct a feas…

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Implementing a Quarterly Review Process for Your Nonprofit 26:37

1y ago26:37

26:37

Nonprofit leaders, are you leveraging the power of a quarterly review in your organization? If you haven't implemented one yet or are looking for ways to improve your process, then this episode is for you. I'm breaking down strategies for how to effectively conduct a quarterly review. I'm giving you strategies to help you do a deep dive into your f…

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Creating Collaborative Environments for Social Change with Topher Wilkins 35:50

1+ y ago35:50

35:50

If you're a nonprofit leader looking to shake up the way you connect and collaborate, then this is the episode for you. I chat with Topher Wilkins, CEO of Opportunity Collaboration (OC), as he shares his journey of building a global community of leaders working to create positive change. Topher also discusses the importance of understanding what pe…

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A Special Update: My Book-Writing Journey 23:24

1+ y ago23:24

23:24

In this episode, I'm giving a behind-the-scenes look at a project that is near and dear to my heart, writing a full-length book! I'm diving into why this project is so special to me and what my journey has been like so far, including the ups, downs, and bumps in the road. I'm also sharing a huge mindset shift that helped me get fully aligned with m…

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Using Ethical Storytelling in Your Marketing with Diana Farias Heinrich 45:44

1+ y ago45:44

45:44

If you're a nonprofit leader looking to elevate your marketing using storytelling, then this podcast episode is for you. I chat with special guest, Diana Farias Heinrich, CEO of Habrá Marketing and ethical communication strategy expert. We dove into how she became an advocate for ethical storytelling and important lessons she's learned along the wa…

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Start Spending Money on These Five Things 16:35

1+ y ago16:35

16:35

Nonprofit leaders, are you spending enough money on your organization? This probably sounds like a strange question, especially since many of you are looking for ways to minimize your expenses. However, there are five crucial things nonprofit leaders need to invest in in order to have a thriving organization. In this episode, I dive into what these…

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How to Become a Successful Leader with Erica Rooney 43:54

1+ y ago43:54

43:54

Are you a nonprofit leader looking to take your leadership skills to the next level? If so, then give this episode a listen! I got some amazing insight from special guest, Erica Rooney, Executive Coach and a Chief People Officer. She shared how she empowers leaders, particularly women, to step into their own and become successful leaders for their …

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Stop Spending Money on These Six Things 19:08

1+ y ago19:08

19:08

Nonprofit leaders, are you wasting money on unnecessary things? I know this sounds like a harsh question, but it's so important to evaluate. It's something I see all the time with many of the nonprofits my team and I work with. That's why, in this episode, I dive into the six main things nonprofits need to stop spending money on and what you can do…

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Elevating Your Individual Fundraising Strategy with Haley Cooper 37:28

1+ y ago37:28

37:28

Are you looking for fresh, new ways to up your individual fundraising game? This is the episode for you! I chatted with special guest, Haley Cooper, CFRE, about how she is empowering new nonprofits to be strategic with their individual fundraising. We dove into how Haley stumbled into the nonprofit world after one mission trip completely changed th…

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Behind the Scenes of Our 2024 Team Retreat 23:50

1+ y ago23:50

23:50

Does your organization have team retreats? Whether you're just beginning to explore them or you're looking for new ideas for your next one, this episode is for you. I'm diving into a special, behind-the-scenes look at our annual team retreat. I'm discussing the benefits of retreats and why I think they are 100% worth the investment. Plus, the logis…

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Creating an Organizational Culture of Wellness with Melissa Wesner 49:00

1+ y ago49:00

49:00

How does your nonprofit take care of its employees? Recent research shows that employees who strongly agree their employer cares about their overall well-being (compared with those who don't) are 71% less likely to report high levels of burnout, leading to happier and more productive employees. In this episode, I spoke with special guest, Melissa W…

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Spring Cleaning Your Systems 28:54

1+ y ago28:54

28:54

When was the last time you took a long, hard look at your systems and processes? Although this isn't exactly an exciting process, it is so beneficial for your nonprofit. Organizations that regularly look at how they can improve their processes not only save time but money and resources as well. In this episode, I'm discussing why taking a deep dive…

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Leveraging the Power of Donor-Advised Funds with Mitch Stein 46:47

1+ y ago46:47

46:47

Is your nonprofit getting donations from Donor-Advised Funds (DAF)? Whether your nonprofit is seasoned, brand new, or just looking to start accepting donations from DAFs, this episode is for you! I chatted with special guest, Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy for Chariot, a Donor-Advised Fund solution for nonprofits to maximize DAF fundraising. Mitch s…

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Building Strong Community Relationships to Support Earned Income Initiatives with Megan McNally 41:29

1+ y ago41:29

41:29

Are you leveraging the power of strong community relationships? This episode is full of strategies leaders can use to build lasting relationships in their communities and help diversify their funding with earned income. I spoke with special guest, Megan McNally, co-founder of The Foundry, who shared how she's using the relationships she's built to …

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Scaling Your Nonprofit Using Unique Revenue Streams with Sara Allen 36:28

1+ y ago36:28

36:28

Are you looking for ways to scale your nonprofit? This episode is full of strategies leaders can use to grow their organizations and boost their impact on the communities they serve. I spoke with special guest, Sara Allen, Executive Director for Sojourns Community Health Clinic, who shared how she's managed to do just that by using unconventional r…

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The Importance of Cultural Considerations in Nonprofit Communities with Kelly Dumas 38:59

1+ y ago38:59

38:59

Are you a nonprofit leader searching for ways to better serve your community? Look no further! I chat with special guest, Kelly Dumas, about how you can have a bigger impact on the people you serve. She discusses the importance of cultural considerations, going beyond "checking the box" and truly understanding your community. Kelly shares her first…

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Breaking Nonprofit Norms to 4x Your Fundraising with Christina Edwards 56:15

1+ y ago56:15

56:15

If you're a nonprofit leader looking to 4x your fundraising revenue, then this episode is for you. I chat with special guest, Christina Edwards who shares how she is teaching nonprofit leaders to break industry norms to skyrocket their fundraising. We dive into the importance of investing in professional development, nonprofit "rules" Christina wan…

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Setting the Intention for 2024 18:40

1+ y ago18:40

18:40

Have you settled on a word of the year for 2024 yet? This is one of my favorite ways to prepare for the upcoming year. It helps me set an intention and gives me something to work towards. However, choosing a word was a struggle for me this year. I wasn't resonating with anything, and I didn't want it to feel forced. In this episode, I'm diving into…

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Rapidly Growing your Nonprofit with Ali Rabe 48:41

1+ y ago48:41

48:41

As nonprofit leaders, we are always looking for ways to grow our impact on the communities we serve. It can be a challenge especially when we're depending on government funding, which can be unpredictable and limited. My podcast guest, Ali Rabe, is sharing how she managed to 10x her nonprofit in under 5 years, even with government funding. Ali is d…

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Top Book Recommendations for 2024 17:55

1+ y ago17:55

17:55

Nonprofit leaders, when is the last time you set aside time to read? Whether you're an avid reader like me, or it's been a while since you picked up (or listened to) a book, you'll want to give this episode a listen. I'm giving you my top book recommendations for 2024! I read 48 books in 2023 and now I'm diving into my favorites, from fun reads to …

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Knowing Your Numbers and Planning for the Future with Margaret Chapman Pomponio 41:50

1+ y ago41:50

41:50

Knowing Your Numbers and Planning for the Future with Margaret Chapman Pomponio How do you use your nonprofit numbers to plan for the future? Knowing where your organization stands with its finances is so important for continuing to grow your impact on the communities you serve. In this episode, I chat with special guest Margaret Chapman Pomponio a…