Doing Good

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYSSupport Doing Good: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠For anyone who's ever felt their technical skills weren't "professional enough" to make a difference, Paul Wayne Jackson Jr. — Head IT Instructor with Tech 4 All Tennessee — proves that expertise paired with compassion bridges the digital divide in powerful ways. We explore how basic technology education transforms lives for veterans, disabled individuals, and underserved communities, discover why teaching internet safety alongside computer skills creates life-changing impact, and learn how volunteering can build confidence while serving those who need it most.Featured Guest: Paul Wayne Jackson Jr. — Head IT Instructor with Tech 4 All TennesseeWhat You'll Learn:✅ Why technology education goes beyond keystrokes—including internet safety and financial literacy that's helped students save hundreds monthly✅ How Tech 4 All Tennessee serves veterans, disabled individuals, and people who've never touched a computer by meeting them at their level✅ How volunteering in your professional field builds confidence and compassion while providing resume experience and community impactChapters00:00 Introduction to Paul Jackson Jr.02:14 Transition to Tech For All Tennessee04:05 Teaching and Curriculum Development05:11 Understanding Digital Literacy06:15 Bridging the Digital Divide07:37 The Importance of Cybersecurity08:10 Personal Growth Through Volunteering09:29 Advice for Aspiring Volunteers10:35 Future Aspirations for Tech For All Tennessee11:05 Empowering Communities Through Technology Education11:15 Transforming Barriers into OpportunitiesResources & Mentions: ⁠Tech 4 All TennesseeLearn Free (Formerly GCF Global)TechGoesHomeSupport Doing Good:Website: ⁠Doing Good⁠Social Media: ⁠All Links⁠Blog: ⁠Featured Volunteers⁠Support the show: ⁠Donate Here⁠Credits:Produced by Azilee MaetkeMusic by HartzmannEdited by Jordan RilleraAdditional Editing by Jay Wilson

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYSSupport Doing Good: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠For college students navigating financial aid deadlines, mental health challenges, and feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, Dakota — Student Ambassador & Persist Nashville Client shares how personalized coaching transformed her university experience. Dakota demonstrates why one-on-one support creates lasting success for first-generation and underrepresented college students, exploring how trained coaches provide both academic resources and life guidance that traditional counseling doesn't offer.Featured Guest: Dakota — Student Ambassador & Current Client, Persist NashvilleWhat You'll Learn:✅ How Persist Nashville's coaching differs from academic counseling providing holistic life support without always redirecting to school✅ Dakota's transformation from isolated student to student ambassador representing the entire student body✅ Why authentic coach relationships matter from FAFSA navigation to preventing burnout through campus involvementChapters00:00 Introduction to Persist Nashville03:03 The Role of Coaches in Student Development05:09 Dakota's Experience as a Student Ambassador05:53 The Importance of Student Voices in Decision Making14:10 Doing Good OutroResources & Mentions: ⁠Persist Nashville⁠ ⁠Apply as a Student (Open to All College Students - Not Just Nashville Residents)⁠Connect with Us:Website: ⁠Doing Good⁠Social Media: ⁠All Links⁠Blog: ⁠Featured Volunteers⁠Support the show: ⁠Donate Here⁠Credits:Produced by Azilee MaetkeMusic by HartzmannEdited by Jordan RilleraAdditional Editing by Jay Wilson

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYSSupport Doing Good: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠For anyone wondering how volunteer work can reconnect you to your purpose while transforming students' lives, Laurie Brown, CEO of Intrepid College Prep and Board Chair of Persist Nashville, shares why first-generation college students need more than just admission letters to succeed. We explore the critical gap between college access and college completion, discover how professional coaching changes outcomes for MNPS graduates, and learn practical ways busy professionals can find volunteer opportunities that fill their cup.Featured Guest: Laurie Brown — CEO of Intrepid College Prep & Board Chair of Persist NashvilleWhat You'll Learn:✅ Why the first two years of college are make-or-break for first-generation students and how coaching helps them persist✅ How Persist Nashville's data-driven approach partners with MNPS schools to track student outcomes from senior year through college✅ How to reframe volunteerism as a two-way investment that fills your cup while serving your communityChapters00:00 Introduction to Lori Brown and Her Journey03:14 The Importance of Advocacy in Education06:06 Persist Nashville: Supporting College Access and Persistence09:00 The Role of a Board Chair in Nonprofit Organizations12:00 Success Stories and Impact of Volunteerism14:34 The Value of Micro Moments in Volunteer Work17:21 Future Aspirations in Volunteerism and Advocacy30:29 Introduction to Heart Work and Community Impact30:56 Doing Good Outro 26-Video-Only-V3.mp4Resources & Mentions: ⁠Persist Nashville⁠ ⁠Intrepid College Prep⁠ ⁠Teach for America Nashville⁠Connect with Us:Website: ⁠Doing Good⁠ Social Media: ⁠All Links⁠ Blog: ⁠Featured Volunteers⁠ Support the show: ⁠Donate Here⁠Credits:Produced by Azilee Maetke Music by Hartzmann Edited by Jordan RilleraAdditional Editing by Jay Wilson

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS To Support Doing Good: Donate Here -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the second part of our two-part series highlighting Nashville Rescue Mission. Joy Flores (Vice President of Ministries) and Krystle Knight (Operations Coordinator) join Megan to discuss the transformative power of holistic care and what happens when an organization truly sees the whole person. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why treating homelessness requires addressing the whole person, not just housing ✅ How work therapy, mentorship, and community create pathways to lasting stability ✅ The power of hiring program graduates to mentor those walking the same journey Resources & Mentions: Nashville Rescue MissionConnect with Us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠Doing Good⁠⁠⁠Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠All Links⁠⁠⁠Blog: ⁠⁠⁠Featured Organization⁠⁠⁠Support the show: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠ Credits:Hosted by Megan McInnisProduced by Jay WilsonEdited by Jay WilsonMusic by Hartzmann

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS To Support Doing Good: Donate Here -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode, author and adventurer Heidi Siefkas joins Megan to discuss the transformative power of volunteering, resilience, and the "Look Up" mantra born from a near-death experience. What You'll Learn: ✅ How volunteering shifts perspective and builds resilience as a "muscle to be flexed." ✅ Why homelessness can happen to anyone and the importance of community lifelines ✅ The power of treating volunteer service as an all-consuming adventure Resources & Mentions: Nashville Rescue MissionHeidi SiefkasConnect with Us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠Doing Good⁠⁠⁠Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠All Links⁠⁠⁠Blog: ⁠⁠⁠Featured Organization⁠⁠⁠Support the show: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠Credits:Hosted by Megan McInnisProduced by Jay Wilson Music by Hartzmann

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS To Support Doing Good: https://bit.ly/DoingGoodDonate-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Episode Summary:In this episode, Kayla Torti (Program Director at Tucker's House) and Adeline (Tucker's House recipient) join Megan McInnis to discuss the profound impact of accessible home modifications on families living with disabilities. We explore Kayla's journey as both a special needs mom and advocate, hear Addie's transformative story of moving from a converted garage to independent living, and discover how Tucker's House creates dignity and hope through thoughtful accessibility solutions. What You'll Learn: ✅ How inaccessibility literally makes people more disabled and affects their health ✅ The comprehensive planning required for successful home modifications ✅ Why advocacy and understanding matter as much as the physical changes Resources & Mentions: Tucker's HouseApply for services: Click the "Apply" button at tuckershouse.org (located in the top right corner). To volunteer or donate: Contact through the websiteConnect with Us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠Doing Good⁠⁠⁠Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠All Links⁠⁠⁠Blog: ⁠⁠⁠Featured Organization⁠⁠⁠Support the show: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠ Credits:Hosted by Megan McInnisProduced by Jay Wilson Music by Hartzmann Edited by Jordan Rillera

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS To Support Doing Good: https://bit.ly/DoingGoodDonate -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode, Hugh Nelson of Kingdom Builders joins Megan McInnis to discuss how specialized skills can transform lives through volunteer service. We explore Hugh's journey from serving sandwiches to the homeless as a Nashville police officer to leading construction projects that make homes accessible for families in crisis, learn how Tucker's House connects skilled volunteers with families who need home modifications, and discover the powerful ripple effect that happens when businesses leverage their resources for good. What You'll Learn: ✅ How to leverage professional skills and business relationships for volunteer impact ✅ The life-changing work Tucker's House does is modifying homes for accessibility ✅ Why serving others keeps us grounded and reminds us of our blessings Resources & Mentions: Tucker's HouseKingdom Builders (Hugh Nelson's company)Tennessee Baptist Children's HomePeople Loving NashvilleConnect with Us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠Doing Good⁠⁠⁠Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠All Links⁠⁠⁠Blog: ⁠⁠⁠Featured Organization⁠⁠⁠Support the show: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠ Credits: Hosted by Megan McInnisProduced by Jay Wilson Music by Hartzmann Edited by Jay Wilson

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYSTo Support Doing Good: https://bit.ly/DoingGoodDonateCommunity First: Participatory Justice in ActionIn this episode, Dr. Rolanda Lister and Shawna Clay join host Megan McInnis to explore how community-led solutions are transforming maternal health, housing, and economic mobility in Nashville’s 37208. Dr. Lister shares how her nonprofit, Bloom, supports postpartum mothers through safe housing and healing, while Shawna explains how participatory grantmaking empowers residents and has funded more than 49 grassroots projects. Together, they show what’s possible when a community refuses to let its neighbors fall through the cracks—and chooses to help them bloom.What You’ll Learn✅ How homelessness directly impacts maternal and infant health outcomes✅ How the 37208 Fund identifies community-led projects and funds what matters most✅ The transformative impact of affordable housing, wraparound services, and economic mobility for mothersResources & MentionsBloom37208 FundMending HeartsMetro Nashville Arts CommissionConnect with UsWebsite: Doing GoodSocial Media: All LinksBlog: Featured OrganizationSupport the show: Donate Here

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYSSupport Doing Good: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠In this episode, Corisa "Pine" Lewis joins Megan McInnis to discuss the power of persistent community service and the innovative work of The 37208 Fund. We explore Pine's remarkable volunteer journey across multiple Nashville organizations, learn about participatory grantmaking and how it's transforming North Nashville, and discover how food and hospitality create lasting connections.What You'll Learn:✅ How participatory grantmaking empowers communities to fund their own solutions✅ The impact of consistent volunteer service across multiple organizations✅ Creative ways to serve your community through your unique skills and passionsResources & Mentions:⁠The 37208 Fund⁠⁠Corner to Corner Nashville⁠⁠Men of Valor⁠Pineapples Food Service and EventsConnect with Us:Website: ⁠Doing Good⁠Social Media: ⁠All Links⁠Blog: ⁠Featured Volunteers⁠Support the show: ⁠Donate Here⁠Credits:Produced by Azilee MaetkeMusic by HartzmannEdited by Jay Wilson, Azilee Maetke

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS Support Doing Good: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In this episode, part two of our WNBA Nashville series, Megan is joined by chapter president Ami McConnell and Molly Lyon. We explore how established volunteer organizations can harness the power of new members, discovering how Molly’s fresh perspective led to immediate impact through a successful foster care book drive.What You'll Learn:✅ How to create a space that empowers new members to lead ✅ The tangible impact of community projects like providing 140+ books to foster children ✅ The confidence that comes from stepping up within a supportive team✅ Advice for anyone who wants to propose a new idea in an organizationResources & Mentions: ⁠⁠Women's National Book Association ⁠⁠Nashville⁠⁠WriterFest⁠Southern Festival of Books (October 18-19, 2025)Coffee with Authors - Saturday morning during Southern Festival of Books weekend (Free ticketed event)Connect with Us:Website: ⁠⁠⁠Doing Good⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠All Links⁠⁠⁠ Blog: ⁠⁠⁠Featured Organization⁠⁠⁠ Support the show: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠Credits:Produced by Jay Wilson Music by Hartzmann Edited by Jordan Rillera, Jay Wilson

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS Support Doing Good: ⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In this episode, Ami McConnell joins Megan McInnis to discuss the vibrant world of literary volunteerism through the Women's National Book Association Nashville chapter. We explore Ami's journey from reader to publishing professional to volunteer leader, learn about innovative community programs like WriterFest, and discover how one volunteer's mentorship can change an entire career trajectory. What You'll Learn:✅ How literary organizations create community connections through service and celebration ✅ The lasting impact of volunteer mentorship on career paths and personal growth ✅ Creative ways to support literacy initiatives from book drives to writer conferencesResources & Mentions: ⁠Women's National Book Association NashvilleWriterFestSouthern Festival of Books (October 18-19, 2025)Coffee with Authors - Saturday morning during Southern Festival of Books weekend (Free ticketed event)Connect with Us:Website: ⁠⁠Doing Good⁠⁠ Social Media: ⁠⁠All Links⁠⁠ Blog: ⁠⁠Featured Organization⁠⁠ Support the show: ⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠Credits:Produced by Jay Wilson Music by Hartzmann Edited by Jordan Rillera, Jay Wilson

WE HIGHLIGHT NEW ORGANIZATIONS EVERY MONTH ON THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS Support Doing Good: ⁠Donate Here⁠ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In this episode, Thomas and Mary from Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry join Megan McInnis to discuss the transformative power of holistic reentry support and second chances. We explore Thomas's leadership journey, expanding TPOM from a church-based ministry to a comprehensive nonprofit, Mary's incredible transformation from client to staff member, and the unique approach that's achieving a remarkable 90% success rate in preventing recidivism.What You'll Learn:✅ How holistic reentry programs create lasting change beyond just housing ✅ The power of lived experience in staff roles and peer mentorship ✅ Strategies for building comprehensive support systems that address root causesResources & Mentions: ⁠Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry⁠FacebookConnect with Us:Website: ⁠Doing Good⁠ Social Media: ⁠All Links⁠ Blog: ⁠Featured Organization⁠ Support the show: ⁠Donate Here⁠Credits:Produced by Jay Wilson Music by Hartzmann Edited by Wayne Nolting, Jay Wilson

In this episode, Kyle Lee joins Megan McInnis to discuss the transformative power of volunteerism in prison outreach. We explore Kyle's personal journey, share impactful stories from his experiences, and offer actionable insights for those interested in making a difference. What You’ll Learn: ✅ The impact of volunteerism on personal growth and community ✅ Strategies for engaging with prison outreach programs ✅ How to find purpose and fulfillment through serviceResources & Mentions: Tennessee Prison Outreach MinistryConnect with Us: Website: Doing GoodSocial Media: All LinksBlog: Featured VolunteersSupport the show: Donate HereCredits: Produced by Jay WilsonMusic by HartzmannEdited by Wayne Nolting, Jay Wilson

What does it mean to truly bear someone else’s burden? Karen Chambers knows firsthand. After experiencing a devastating miscarriage 42 years ago, with no support system to turn to, she founded Bearing Others’ Burdens, a nonprofit that delivers care and comfort bags to individuals facing cancer, miscarriage, infant loss, and bereavement. In this moving episode, Karen shares:🧵 The Power of a Bag: How a simple pillow, blanket, or embroidered memory square can say, “You are seen, you are loved.”💔 Grief Unfiltered: Why phrases like “It’ll be okay” fall short—and what to say (or not say) instead.✝️ Faith in Action: How Karen’s journey from heartbreak to hope is rooted in her belief that no one should walk alone.🌎 A National Impact: How her small goal of 15 bags grew to 2,500+ donations across all 50 states.For volunteers: Learn how to sew, pack, or donate to this grassroots effort.For grievers: Find solace in Karen’s message: “Your story matters.”For everyone: Discover how empathy can transform lives—starting with yours.Follow Bearing Others’ Burdens:Website: www.BearingOthersBurdens.comRead Karen’s blog post at www.doinggoodtv/blogThis podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.To support the efforts of Doing Good and more:Website: ⁠Doing Good⁠Linktree: ⁠All Links⁠Donate: Click ⁠here⁠ to donate.Social: ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠

In this episode, Megan sits down with John Witherspoon, retired Special Forces veteran and president of Beacon Rescue. From building shelters in Papua New Guinea to leading rapid disaster deployments in Tennessee, John shares his lifelong journey of service—and how his nonprofit is empowering veterans, families, and communities to respond with compassion in moments of crisis. Tune in to hear how training, teamwork, and a willingness to act can turn ordinary people into lifelines when disaster strikes.Connect with John and find out more about Beacon Rescue:Website: Beacon RescueSocial: Facebook | InstagramRead John’s blog post at ⁠www.doinggood.tv/blog⁠.This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit.To support the efforts of Doing Good and more:Website: Doing GoodLinktree: All LinksDonate: Click here to donate.Social: Instagram | YouTube

In this heartfelt episode, we explore with Kelli R. Brooks and Gregory Prioleau from Roberta’s House, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit family grief support center in Baltimore, Maryland, the transformative work of this organization dedicated to helping children, families, and communities heal from loss and trauma. Founded in memory of a beloved matriarch, Roberta’s House provides free, culturally responsive programs that offer emotional support, education, and a safe space for healing. Join us as we hear about Kelly and Greg’s experiences with grief and support, as well as how this organization is restoring hope through peer-led support groups, trauma-informed care, and a deep commitment to community resilience. Whether you’re grieving, supporting someone in grief, or simply seeking stories of strength and compassion, this episode will remind you that healing is possible—and no one has to walk through grief alone. Connect with Roberta's House: Website: https://robertashouse.org/ Doing Good, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, brings this podcast to you. Support Doing Good: Website: doinggood.tv Blog: doinggood.tv/blog.

Join Megan as she interviews Cylinda Smith again – a volunteer she is revisiting to find out how she is, if she’s still volunteering, and to learn any updates. Fortunately, Cylinda continues to volunteer at Roberta's House, a grief support nonprofit located in Maryland. Her joy of serving people - and walking with them through grief - is palpable. In the interview, Cylinda shares her journey of passion for helping others, the importance of emotional healing, and ongoing connections with others who have experienced loss.Read Cylinda’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.View Cylinda’s podcast by visiting Doing Good on YouTube.This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doingggood.tv.

Join host Megan McInnis as she turns the spotlight on three incredible volunteers who work behind the scenes to bring the Doing Good podcast to life. In honor of National Volunteer Month, meet Azilee, our podcast producer; Jay, our audio and YouTube expert; and Carrie, our talented copy editor.Each shares their unique path to volunteering with Doing Good, the passion that drives their work, and the meaningful moments that have stuck with them along the way. Get to know the creative minds powering our mission—and discover the heart, humor, and humanity behind every episode.Tune in for an uplifting conversation about creativity, community, and the joy of using your talents to make a difference.Visit www.doinggood.tv to learn more about our volunteers and mission.Watch more on YouTube by visiting Doing Good.This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv.

Join host Emily as she interviews Philip Hyams, a college student who is passionate about volunteering and community service. Philip shares his journey from childhood volunteerism to co-founding a high school service organization and balancing college life with his ongoing dedication to helping others. Discover how service can be both fulfilling and stress-relieving, and hear Philip’s tips for finding your own path in volunteering. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, purpose, and the contagious joy of giving back.Read Philip’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.View Philip’s podcast by visiting Doing Good on YouTube.This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doingggood.tv.