Good For Others highlights positive change-makers from various charities to inspire and motivate people to volunteer and get involved in their communities. With interviews of major philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and incredible volunteers, we share stories about how nonprofits are solving critical needs throughout the world.
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Art Is Work: Building Creative Careers Through Paid Apprenticeships with Ben Gougeon
What does it take to turn creative talent into a sustainable career? In this episode of The Good for Others Show, John Valencia welcomes Ben Gougeon, Director of Community Engagement at Quad City Arts in Rock Island, Illinois. Ben is the show’s first out-of-state guest since its relaunch—marking an exciting new chapter as the conversation expands beyond San Diego to highlight nonprofit ideas,…
In this episode of The Good For Others Show , John Valencia sits down with Dr. Maxie Gluckman, Executive Director of Friends of Fundesur, to talk about what happens when community-driven leadership, private-sector partnership, and global impact come together. Maxie shares the story behind the shrimp pin she always wears — and how shrimp exports from Honduras became the unexpected foundation for…
A Fireside Chat with Heidi Roddenberry: Philanthropy, Innovation, and Building an Optimistic Future
In this special episode of The Good For Others Show, John Valencia sits down with Heidi Roddenberry, Chair of the Roddenberry Foundation, for a fireside chat from the Together for Good Conference. Heidi shares her perspective on trust-based giving, systems change, flexible funding, and what it means to invest in people and infrastructure, not just programs. This conversation explores how…
From Spark to STEM: Building a Pipeline for the Next Generation
In this episode of The Good For Others Show , John Valencia sits down with Shara Fisler , Founder and Executive Director of Ocean Discovery Institute, to explore what it really takes to build systems that create lasting opportunity. From its beginnings as a small summer program to a nationally recognized, equity-centered STEM pipeline, Ocean Discovery Institute is redefining what’s possible for…
Redesigning Work: Creating Equitable Pathways for All
In this insightful episode of the Good For Others podcast, host John Valencia is joined by Parina Parikh, Associate Vice President at Jobs for the Future (JFF), to explore the rapidly evolving world of work. Together, they examine the challenges and opportunities emerging in today’s employment landscape, particularly in light of technological change, automation, and shifting workforce demands.…
Hope After Hardship: How Promises2Kids Transforms Lives
In this episode, host John Valencia sits down with Tonya Torosian, Chief Executive Officer at Promises2Kids , a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in San Diego County. Promises2Kids provides critical services like emergency shelter, college scholarships, and mentorship programs to help children heal from trauma and build a brighter future. John discusses the organization's…
In this episode, John Valencia sits down with Gina Lee, Director of Staffing and Programs with Partnership for a Better San Diego—a trailblazing initiative connecting nonprofits, employers, and workers to build a more inclusive, equitable local economy. 💡 Hear how this powerful coalition is: Tackling workforce barriers in underserved communities Leveraging cross-sector collaboration for systems…
From Passion to Impact: Fundraising That Changes Lives
On this week’s Good For Others Show , host John Valencia sits down with Kellye Buchanan, Director of Philanthropy at Walden Family Services and a powerhouse in nonprofit fundraising. With over $25 million raised for causes in San Diego, Kellye shares the secrets behind building meaningful donor relationships and driving mission-focused impact. 💡 If you work in the nonprofit world—or just care…
From Donations to Careers: The Power of Goodwill San Diego
On this episode of The Good For Others Show, host John Valencia sits down with Darlene Cossio, Director of Marketing Communications at Goodwill Industries of San Diego, to uncover the incredible impact Goodwill has beyond just donation centers and thrift stores! Tune in to hear how Goodwill is: 🔹 Empowering Careers by provides job training and employment opportunities for individuals with…
Beyond the Meal: How Mama's Kitchen is Transforming Lives
On this episode of The Good for Others Show, we’re thrilled to welcome the one and only Eva Matthews, CEO of Mama’s Kitchen, to the podcast! Tune in as she shares her vision for sustainable growth at Mama’s Kitchen, the power of collaboration in the nonprofit sector, earning national and California Food is Medicine accreditation, and how Mama’s Kitchen is truly woven into the fabric of our…