Giving Back Podcast

Latest Episodes:

305: Giving Back Insights #116 — Ikigai with Rob Lowe Mar 07, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to the 116th episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people's lives and connect.

Today we're talking about Ikigai (生き甲斐)! Enjoy today's episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.

Key Takeaways:

I had a conversation with a remarkable young lady named Monisha Bajaj who is committed to sparking conversations about healthy relationships in Thailand. We touched on what our guests share, besides the experience of serving their community. Spiritual philosophy, life philosophy, perspective on the world and people in it.

I told Monisha that sometimes I feel like people miss the best part of the show, where guests dive deeper because there's great knowledge they're sharing. Finding purpose and meaning by making a difference in people's lives. We're wired to connect and engage, and by lifting others we lift ourselves.

In fact, we've been wrestling about the meaning of life AND self-actualization since we've had the luxury of writing and developing arts and culture. Well before Rumi and Tony Robbins and Pico Della Mirandola. Before the Bible and the Torah and the Koran. Before I knew it, I'm talking with this USC grad halfway around the world about Ikigai.

Ikigai (生き甲斐, pronounced [ikiɡai]) is a Japanese concept that means "a reason for being." The word "ikigai" is usually used to indicate the source of value in one's life or the things that make one's life worthwhile. The word translated to English roughly means "thing that you live for" or "the reason for which you wake up in the morning." Each individual's ikigai is personal to them and specific to their lives, values and beliefs. It reflects the inner self of an individual and expresses that faithfully, while simultaneously creating a mental state in which the individual feels at ease. Activities that allow one to feel ikigai are never forced on an individual; they are often spontaneous, and always undertaken willingly, giving individual satisfaction and a sense of meaning to life.

The Ikigai diagram for today's cover illustrates where we operate. The four areas of what we love to do, what we're good at, what we get paid to do, and what the world needs, and the sense of being when 3 out of 4 overlaps, plus Ikigai right in the middle. I think the important thing to remember is that it's not always easy. We have 24 hours in a day, 1,440 minutes. We have to CHOOSE to live our lives in pursuit of Ikigai, or purpose, or significance, or awesomeness, or whatever you call it, in order to make progress towards that goal.

It won't always be one life. Monisha works full time and her passion is to create a full-time job preventing sexual violence. Nothing wrong with a job that puts food on the table and filling your life with service to others. It's where you start, and how you move forward that counts.

John P. Weiss draws cartoons, paints landscapes, and writes about life. He wrote an article in Medium.com called "How to Radically Improve Your Life with just three words" and talks about choices, including the courage to change. One person's advice that helped put him on the right path for him was "Try things until something comes easily" That falls in line with things you're good at and things you love, or what I call things in your wheelhouse. The perspective John adds is this: "Do hard things."

See, it's not enough to just slide in. There will always be an inherent tension to keep moving forward to even stay in Ikigai, that sense of value. Trying new things, moving out of old things even if they're working, learning, growing, applying new knowledge, overcoming obstacles. If I have a perspective to add to Ikigai, I would say that it's not a goal. Ikigai is a pursuit.

Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness

Love & Gratitude,

Rob

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

304: Courageous Communication Workshop: 7 Steps to Attracting Your Dream Donors — Maryanne Dersch (Part 2) Mar 04, 2019

Show notes

This podcast is part two of a four-part workshop series with Maryanne Dersch. Over the next few weeks, you'll be hearing Maryanne break down how you can grab the attention and attract long-term, loyal donors. Who is Maryanne? She is a non-profit speaker, author, and coach. She's starting a revolution within human investment companies so that they are always filled with abundance, joy, and energy. Let's get started!

Key Takeaways:

[1:25] Who is Maryanne?

[2:30] Maryanne gives a brief summary of the first two steps they covered in part one.

[5:35] Step 3: Communication goals.

[9:40] Create a plan and use it as a roadmap. It doesn't have to be perfect. Plans change!

[11:40] Think big and get creative! Don't worry about editing it (for now).

[17:00] In order to grow, you have to do things differently!

[18:10] Maryanne breaks down a vision exercise you can do to help see your future self.

[22:50] If you don't meet this goal, what's the worst that can happen?

[26:45] Maryanne shares an example of what step 3 looks like when you apply it.

[30:55] Step 4: Messaging.

[36:15] How do you create your own 'ideal donor' avatar?

[41:15] Should you have more than one avatar?

[45:20] How do you structure a brand pyramid?

[52:00] What questions should you be asking yourself?

[59:35] Maryanne explains why it's so, so important to have belief statements in your company.

[1:02:45] Belief statements let you know when you and your organization need to speak up.

[1:10:20] Step 4 is all about understanding who you're talking to, and developing a system to talk to those people!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Maryanne Dersch

Courageous Communication, by Maryanne Dersch

Step 4: Avatar

Step 4: Belief Statements

Step 4: Messaging Brand Pyramid

303: Giving Back Insights #115 — Advice versus Insight with Rob Lowe Feb 28, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to the 115th episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people's lives and connect.

Today we're talking about Advice versus Insight! Enjoy today's episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.

Key Takeaways:

There is a very thin line between advice and insights. They both are well intentioned and the difference may be that insight is simply sharing where advice is pretty specific because there is a expectation or atleast hope that the person advice is given to will follow that.

I am reading a lot now a days from Medium. So today I want to share "The Mind-Blowingly Simple And Positive Advice That Changed My Entire Life" By Nicolas Cole that I recently read on his medium blog.

It's a kind of advice from himself to himself.

The Mind-Blowingly Simple And Positive Advice That Changed My Entire Life By Nicolas Cole on Medium.com

I was sitting in the middle of the forest with nothing but a tent, a small bag of fruits and nuts, a shovel, and a roll of toilet paper.

Each of us was given a space in this forest to spend 3 days by ourselves.

It was the afternoon, and for miles I saw trees and trees. There were no sounds other than the crackling of leaves under my shoes when I would pace my space back and forth. Every once in a while, I would test the silence and let out a scream, wanting to see how long it would echo.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" It carried into the distance for a moment and then faded.

Just like many of my thoughts of home.

I had arrived on this trip with a lot of anger. I was 19, feeling all the things you feel when you're 19.

I felt like my parents didn't understand me. I felt like everything I did was wrong. I felt like no matter how hard I tried, I would never be the person they wanted me to be. I felt lost and didn't know what I wanted to be in life. I enjoyed music. I enjoyed writing. But other than that, I didn't enjoy much else. Most days, I just felt stuck.

But that day in the forest wasn't like most days.

Finally, I had a moment to hear those thoughts — the ones that played the victim's song. With 3 entire days to myself, that song became clearer and clearer, to the point where the words no longer seemed like my own.

They were just lyrics I'd memorized and repeated to myself, endlessly. On the 3rd day ("He rose again…jk") one of the counselors came by my tent. We sat on a small patch of grass.

"How was it?" she asked.

"Unbelievable," I said, playing with a stick in my hand. I'd never felt so calm.

"Really? Learn anything special about yourself?" she said.

The way she said it, I could tell she was expecting a cliche response.

I started to nod. I hadn't put my conclusion quite into words yet. "Nothing in my life is going to change unless I make it so." She flickered her eyes, staring, not saying anything.

"And how did you learn that?" she asked.

I looked out at the vastness and the trees. The entire forest hadn't changed at all in 3 days, and yet I felt like an entirely different person.

"Because all the things I want to change in my life, I keep waiting for other people to change them. But I don't have control over other people. The only thing I have control over is myself. So, if I want anything to change, I have to be the one to do it."

She tilted her head a bit and looked at me skeptically. "Are you saying this just because you think it's what I want to hear?" she asked. I was on a 30-day canoe trip for troubled teens, after all.

I shook my head, slowly and without defense.

"Nope," I said softly. "I understand that anything I want in this world, I have to be the one to make it happen."

I've been living by my own advice ever since.

Thanks for reading :) I shared with this with my son who is under lot of pressure. So I thought I would share because this guy is really young too and same age like him.

So I wanted to make him understand that, whatever he wants is upto him, not that he is alone just to understand that he has very little control over everything and 100% contol over himself.

Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness

Love & Gratitude, Rob

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

The Mind-Blowingly Simple And Positive Advice That Changed My Entire Life

302: Courageous Communication Workshop: 7 Steps to Attracting Your Dream Donors — Maryanne Dersch (Part 1) Feb 25, 2019

Show notes

Welcome! This podcast is part one of a four-part workshop series with Maryanne Dersch. Over the next few weeks, you'll be hearing Maryanne break down what you need to do to get the attention you need to attract long-term, loyal donors. Who is Maryanne? She is a non-profit speaker, author, and coach. She's starting a revolution within human investment companies so that they are always filled with abundance, joy, and energy. Let's get started!

Key Takeaways:

[1:30] Who is Maryanne?

[2:35] Maryanne provides an overview of the 7 steps.

[4:50] What results can listeners expect by the end of the workshop?

[6:15] Step 1: Create a vision.

[11:20] Why did Maryanne develop Courageous Communication?

[15:00] Do you feel isolated? It's time to change your mindset.

[16:15] Maryanne shares an example of what Courageous Communication can do for you.

[22:25] Your organization can't afford not to communicate effectively.

[25:25] Step 2: Communications Assessment.

[28:50] What's the value of your time in your nonprofit?

[32:00] Grown-up organizations pay for their work.

[37:10] Do your current marketing materials reflect who you are as a brand?

[40:10] What are the benefits of a discovery session?

[44:25] Gather as much feedback as you can from your staff.

[48:40] Host lunch-and-learn events to connect with others!

[51:55] Stay tuned to next week's episode to find out how to get over your fear of asking.

[55:55] We have worksheets for you! The links are below.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Maryanne Dersch

Courageous Communication, by Maryanne Dersch

Step 2: Communications Assessment

Step 2: Discovery Session

301: Giving Back Insights #114 — Banter, timing, and serendipity with Rob Lowe Feb 21, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to the 114th episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people's lives and connect.

Today we're talking about Banter, timing, and serendipity! Enjoy today's episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.

Key Takeaways:

Kominsky Method: Sandy & Norman Two old curmudgeons and lifelong friends As a portrait of aging masculinity and friendship, it's wonderful. The two leads are fantastic apart, reveling in intelligently written parts that give them plenty of laughs to play, in addition to well-earned emotional highs as flawed, believable, fully rounded human beings.

Marvelous Mrs Maisel: Midge & Susie On the road with an abundance of sharpness. First time watching, saw only 15 minutes and I'm addicted! Susie is the best!

When you are with the right person and you have the right attitude, it results pretty great.

In the course of being snowed in and the road being closed, We had a conversation with our host about Bantering and we had a conversation with lot of funny things.

WinterHaus: Rick & Rob 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and promote multilingualism. Wikipedia

Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage. All moves to promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance, and dialogue.

This reminds us how to be in the conversation, pay attention, full of meaning and that's how you banter, you have the contacts, You have meaning and in that meaning, there is a great value.

Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness

Love & Gratitude, Rob

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

300: It's Never a Bad Day When You Have a Community — John and Angi Busick with Down Syndrome Association North Bay Feb 18, 2019

Show notes

John and Angi Busick discovered their first son, Jack, was born with Down syndrome. After volunteering in local special needs groups and fundraising for them, John and Angi realized there was a bigger need than they thought. And so, the Down Syndrome Association North Bay was born. Every year, John and Angi throw a gala to raise funds and support their community. Find out more about John and Angi, why they're so passionate about this cause, and the positive changes they've seen in the community since starting their nonprofit on this week's episode!

Key Takeaways:

[3:25] How did Down Syndrome Association North Bay (DSANB) first get started?

[6:55] Today, perfection is the expectation in families and our kids.

[8:45] How did John and Angi approach having a second child after Jack?

[12:00] Rob, as a father himself, had an OMG moment when he realized he was going to be a father soon.

[15:00] John wanted to find a way to impact Jack's life for the better.

[20:15] How did the Local Employer of the Year award get started?

[25:40] What is the purpose of the Voices 4 Down Syndrome gala?

[32:45] John and Angi share why they are such a great team and how they can pull these events off.

[37:30] Angi wants to grow, but doesn't want to grow too big and lose what makes this event special in the first place - knowing your community and the people who attend it.

[43:00] What has been the feedback from the parents that DSANB has helped?

[44:25] A lot of positive change has happened in the last few years to help kids with Down syndrome become part of the community.

[49:20] It really does take a village!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Down Syndrome Association North Bay (DSANB)

Voices 4 Down Syndrome Gala

Miracle League North Bay

299: Giving Back Insights #113 — Halftime - moving from success to significance with Rob Lowe Feb 14, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to the 113th episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people's lives and connect.

Today we're talking about Halftime - moving from success to significance! Enjoy today's episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.

Key Takeaways:

I had two extraordinary conversations this week. Two people, both retired, both doing the most important work of their lives. Two authors, Bob Buford and Marc Freedman, both talk about "Halftime", or the period after 50 and before decrepit. Cathy Standiford, who you'll hear from in an upcoming episode, is retired and a nonstop ball of energy working to empower women and girls with economic opportunity, particularly through education. She is in her 30th year volunteering with Soroptomist, her 2nd year with WriteGirl, and shows no sign of slowing down. Bill and I started working together on ShelterBox USA's PR committee. My comment to Hannah after our conversation was simple: you've got a person at Halftime who's chosen ShelterBox to do his most important work. Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness Love & Gratitude, Rob

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

298: Giving Dogs in Kill-Shelters a Beautiful Home and a New Start — Roman & Jennifer McConn with Project Freedom Ride Feb 11, 2019

Show notes

Roman is a young six-year-old boy with a dream and a mission to give shelter dogs new homes. On his fourth birthday, he wanted donations for his birthday so he could help a local dog shelter. Since then, it sparked something magical and he and his mom, Jennifer, started Project Freedom Ride, where they take dogs out of kill-shelters in Texas and place them in loving homes. Find out more about Roman and how it all got started on today's episode!

Key Takeaways:

[2:45] How did Roman and Jennifer get started with Project Freedom Ride?

[6:40] Roman saved 31 dogs from a Texas kill-shelter in his first transport.

[8:45] How did Roman and Jennifer get into adopting and fostering dogs?

[12:15] What's the best part about being a part of Project Freedom Ride?

[16:45] How are people finding out about Project Freedom Ride?

[18:55] Roman shares two stories about two special dogs that got rescued.

[23:25] How does Jennifer manage the logistics of transporting the dogs out of kill-shelters?

[27:45] $1 dollar a month can make a huge impact in Roman's mission and cause.

[29:24] What's next for Roman and Project Freedom Ride?

[32:15] Jennifer feels she got so lucky by having Roman. He is a doer and is actively making the world a better place.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Project Freedom Ride on Facebook

Project Freedom Ride on Instagram

297: Giving Back Insights #112 — The power of quotes with Rob Lowe Feb 07, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to the 112th episode of Giving Back Insights! Insights are our solo show to celebrate how our guests and their charities serve others, explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people's lives and connect.

Today we're talking about The power of quotes! Enjoy today's episode and keep your comments and feedback coming.

Key Takeaways:

I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy --- Rabindranath Tagore Douglas Tsoi conversation Attention is the purest form of generosity --- Simone Weil Cheryl Strayed's best-selling book-turned Reese Witherspoon-starring movie Wild hit home with millions of people. At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother's death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—and she would do it alone. Now Strayed, who "thinks of quotes as mini-instruction manuals for the soul," shares some of her favorites in her new book, Brave Enough. "Quotes, at their core, almost always shout Yes!" she says. The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention --- Deguet The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet --- Frederick Buechner You are the average of the five people spend the most time with --- Jim Rohn The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why --- Mark Twain Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear --- George Addair You miss 100% of the shots you don't take --- Michael Jordan or Wayne Gretzky Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness --- Pastor Steve Stone, Sr Love & Gratitude, Rob

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

296: A Virtual Reality Lab for Kids — Achille Massoma with Kinshapes Feb 04, 2019

Show notes

Achille Massoma is the Co-Founder of Kinshapes, a creative incubator that introduces coding and programming, 2D and 3D illustration, virtual reality, and so much more to children in underserved communities. Kinshapes started nearly two years ago and has had nearly 300 students go through both their introductory and/or cohort workshops. Find out more about Achille and his vision for Kinshapes on today's show!

Key Takeaways:

[3:00] What is Kinshapes all about?

[6:45] Achille shares what makes Kinshapes so sustainable.

[11:30] How are the workshops at Kinshapes structured?

[18:10] The students develop a product by the end of the 6-8 week cohort workshop.

[19:45] How do the students know when a project is done?

[22:55] Kinshapes has a big interest in teaching children virtual reality. How did that first begin?

[29:35] It's important to move from being a consumer to being a producer. This way you can acquire skills that will help support you, your family, and your community.

[30:45] What kind of products and services have the students brought to market?

[33:05] How does Kinshapes find its students?

[35:40] Kinshapes plans to launch a virtual reality club. What is the goal of this club?

[40:45] What's next for Kinshapes?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Kinshapes

Achille Massoma on LinkedIn