The podcast for nonprofit and government leaders looking to use data and evaluation strategies to build effective and sustainable programs in the areas of prevention, mental health, human services, and education. On the Common Good Data Podcast, learn how the best organizations build a culture of data that impresses funders, wins competitive grants, and changes the lives of the individuals and communities they serve. Episodes include interviews with social sector leaders and insights from the…
Subscribe:.rss.atom.json.md.m3u.pls
Live Last read · last published · next check
Saves to your Listen queue, to pick up on another day or another device.
When we talk about preventing youth substance use, it is easy for the conversation to focus on what is going wrong. But what if most young people are already making healthy choices, and part of our prevention strategy is making sure they know that? In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Roger Suclupe and I talk with Libby Ray about positive social norms campaigns and their potential role…
Summer has a way of shifting the rhythm of work. For many the break from school-year programming opens up calendars and provides a lighter pace feel in the office. Casual Fridays, anyone? Summer creates a natural break that is easy to overlook but incredibly valuable if used well. In this solo episode, I explore why this time of year offers a rare opportunity to step back from execution and focus…
In this episode, we explore one of the most pressing challenges facing the social sector today: economic mobility. While the idea of the “American Dream” suggests that upward mobility is widely available, the data tells a more complicated story. Only about 64% of Americans believe those opportunities exist, and research shows that a significant portion of income advantage is passed from one…
What does it really take to build a sustainable nonprofit or social sector organization?In this solo episode, I share a simple but powerful metaphor that’s been sticking with me: most organizations are trying to cross a bridge that is only half built. You have the mission. You have the programs. You’re doing meaningful work. But something is missing between that work and the consistent funding…
You don’t need more data. You need a better story. In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe sit down with Candice Jordan, Chief Development Officer at Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, to explore how nonprofits can turn data into compelling stories that actually drive funding. Many organizations collect data. But the real challenge is knowing how to use it…
Why do strong behavioral health programs still struggle to demonstrate their impact? Many of the organizations I work with are doing incredibly important work. You are supporting prevention initiatives, expanding access to treatment, helping families navigate mental health challenges, and strengthening communities. But when it comes time to demonstrate impact and secure funding, many leaders feel…
Are numbers enough to tell the full story of your impact? In this episode of the Common Good Data podcast, Drew Reynolds sits down with Cheralynn Corsack, founder of Local Insight Studio, to explore how mixed methods evaluation can produce deeper, more actionable insight, especially in rural communities.Evaluation conversations often center on numbers. Outputs. Outcomes. KPIs. But data alone…
In early 2026, I watched nearly $2 billion in proposed cuts to SAMHSA funding send shockwaves through the mental health and substance use field. Organizations lost grants. Staff lost jobs. Longstanding programs appeared to end overnight. Then, within 24 hours, the funding was reinstated. In this episode, I reflect on how nonprofit and social sector leaders can learn from that moment and use…
What does it look like to use data not just to report, but to change outcomes at a national scale?In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Roger and I are joined by Michelle Dunivan, Senior Director of Insights and Analytics at Best Friends Animal Society. Michelle shares how Best Friends uses data, partnerships, and trust-building to advance its bold mission of making the entire United…
What does it actually take to lead well in 2026—especially when resources are tight, expectations are high, and the work is complex? In this solo episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, I share three practical, leadership-level moves nonprofit and social sector leaders can make this year to strengthen impact and make data work for you (instead of becoming another burden). You’ll hear a clear…
