Giving Back Podcast

Latest Episodes:

245: Giving Back Insights #86 — So about my vision… with Rob Lowe Aug 09, 2018

Show notes

Welcome to the 86th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people's lives and to share. Today I'm discussing about my vision. Listen to today's episode and don't forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

Power of Purpose: headed by Sherry Watson, ADA co-architect and grant expert. Member of Forbes' NonProfit Council. Their motto: Run your nonprofit like a business! Tracy, Derek, Erica, Nattie, Lindsay, Brendan - thank you for making the event so amazing!

A few Purpose Pioneers: George, Art & Ursula, Tuan, Tim & Rose, Jeannie, Kim, Carol & Jean, Tamara, John, Martha.

Skip Thomas: filmmaker. It was so cool to hear how our missions overlap in such a core way.

Vision Quest, a spiritual journey. What I saw: CNN. A daily fix of news about people giving back and making a difference to others and their communities. Tell their stories visually, to reach and inspire more people to action.

That show and network are going to happen. Life brings us people and resources to make our service missions come true. "Strong Communities" represents a coalition of nonprofits who strengthen communities by promoting mental, physical and financial well-being. Let's get to work!

Skip's video about the Power of Purpose conference:

https://www.facebook.com/amptruth.org/videos/1799476663438696/

Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.

Love & Gratitude, Rob

Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/408159692921384

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

244: You Can Make a Big Impact on Your Local Community — Wayne Sleight with 97th Floor Aug 06, 2018

Show notes

Wayne Sleight is the COO of 97th Floor, a digital marketing agency recognized as a leader in creating custom strategies and executing them to deliver results. 97th Floor is also an Adobe Solution Partner and a BrightEdge Partner. On today's show, Wayne shares what the 1% Pledge is, the importance of being a part of something that's bigger than yourself, and how to create a work environment everyone loves to go to.

Key Takeaways:

[3:45] Wayne has been with 97th Floor for the last 9 years.

[4:05] What does 97th Floor do?

[7:15] What is the 1% Pledge all about?

[12:05] In the last three years, the company has donated over $150,000.

[17:30] At the end of every year, employees are able to select which charities they want the company to donate to, and they state the reason why this charity means so much to them.

[21:30] Engagement goes through the roof in a company that has a strong sense of giving back to the community.

[28:05] Rob admits that he has a difficult time asking for and accepting other people's help.

[33:40] What kind of future does Wayne envision for the company and his team?

[37:50] The company has a simple mindset of 'getting out of people's way'. They don't want to control their employees; they want to empower them.

[43:20] What would Wayne like to say to his team? Wayne offers some final thoughts.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

97th Floor

Wayne Sleight on LinkedIn

243: Giving Back Insights #85 — A series of reminders with Rob Lowe Aug 02, 2018

Show notes

Welcome to the 85th episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people's lives and to share. Today I'm discussing A series of reminders. Listen to today's episode and don't forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

The cover shows a group of really happy people from our 11 day Vision Quest in Colorado back in 2017. Barbara & Don, thank you for a wonderful opportunity you have given me!

What is the vision I have in my mind?

It was an opportunity to explore our mind, in the presence of nature and being able to experience what was going to happen to us.

A series of events reminded me of my vision.

Joey Powell, Me Fine Foundation, "You know, there's nothing wrong with being Dave Letterman or Jay Leno." In terms of platform simply sharing the stories of greatness and of heroism from the founders, leaders and the volunteers of an organization who donated their time, their talent and their treasures for the community out there.

Ron Klabunde, Generosity Feeds. He recently gave me the book, "The Go-Giver" by Bob Burg, and told me this quote from Jim Rohn: "Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness - great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy."

Unsolicited feedback from a colleague, "I listened to your show. You sound like a real show host"

Ursula, coming back from LA: your show should be on Netflix. Like Anthony Bourdain's. You interviewing, talking from people impacted. You narrate to provide context. ---partnership, evangelist

It makes sense, it's in my wheelhouse and it's the next iteration of the Giving Back Podcast. And it's hugely scary, which means I'm probably moving in the right direction.

What is the next phase? Its GBN- Giving Back Network, A loop of goodness. Kindness and intentional acts to each other. And showing that everything the community need is out there.

A wonderful story about living life fully: Claire's Last Days at https://www.facebook.com/Upworthy/videos/280941475788931/UzpfSTEwMDAwMTUzNTIzOTYzNToxOTE2MjAxMTI4NDQxMDQz/

Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.

Love & Gratitude, Rob

Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/rob.lowe.50999405/videos/400803536990333

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

242: Just Show up for Your Grieving Loved Ones — Yvonne Heath with Love Your Life to Death Jul 30, 2018

Show notes

Yvonne Heath has been a registered nurse since 1988 and has worked in the emergency room, intensive care, chemotherapy, hospice and more. Yvonne has personally seen grieving families and loved ones go through a lot and wrote her own book, Love Your Life to Death, about why it's so important to have the tough end-of-life conversations before you need them. Find out more about Yvonne, the work she does, and the Show Up Movement.

Key Takeaways:

[4:30] Who is Yvonne and what does she do?

[7:40] This life is a temporary journey and we have to stop living in fear that it will end one day.

[9:25] You might be okay about the end, but is your family? Do they know what you want?

[12:40] Yvonne talks about her Show Up Movement.

[14:00] Grief is hard, but in the face of it, you just have to show up.

[14:55] Rob admits that he had three deaths occur in three weeks. It was awkward and uncomfortable.

[18:00] Why did Yvonne decide to write her book?

[25:25] Yvonne takes end-of-life healthcare one step further. It's not just documents that people have to fill out; it's about the story they want to tell.

[28:05] Yvonne believes at least once a year you should review/revisit your end of life plan.

[31:05] Ideally, you want to have those tough conversations before you face a crisis or have someone dying.

[32:55] Both Yvonne and Rob have been witness to families taking each other to court to fight over family heirlooms instead of spending that time in grief. Again, have those tough conversations now before you pass on!

[42:10] We, unfortunately, have not been taught how to grieve.

[44:25] It's not your job to fix grief, but if you just show up and be there, you can make a difference in someone's life.

[48:25] What's next for Yvonne?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Loveyourlifetodeath.com

Yvonne Health on LinkedIn

Email: Info@LoveYourLifetoDeath.com

241: Giving Back Insights #84 — Re-framing with Ryan Lee with Rob Lowe Jul 26, 2018

Show notes

Welcome to the 83rd episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people's lives and to share. Today I'm discussing Brilliant re-framing about business. Listen to today's episode and don't forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

Just imagine who you'd want to hang out with all day - and build your business around solving their problems --- Ryan Lee, Freedym Brilliant re-framing about business. Start with the end in mind, work it backward. Focus firmly on service and adding value --- ONLY to those you most want to be with. Dig deep for their actual problems. Imagine what your business - and your life - would look like! Some powerful Freedym members: Jamie Moran Alannah Avelin Alyson Lex Ricky Goodall Christopher Stafford Henry Serrano Jose Av Kate Bennett Schell Marcos Sayon Venus Ramos M D Heather Swensen Kimber Annie Berryhill Tony DiLorenzo John Nguyen Shannon Barbato Anja Bolbjerg Georgina Sweeney Joshua Koerpel Brent Schmidt Tuan Nguyen Gabriella Ribeiro Karen Pattock Karen Roach Stephanie Leach Sharon Holand Gelfand Charles Bram Kimberly Stewart Allison Rivers Samson Mark Jala Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness. Love & Gratitude, Rob

Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/givingbackpodcast/videos/628898690815179/

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Freedym

240: Be a Community Champion and Lead by Example — Laura Lane with Two Mothers, One Prayer Jul 23, 2018

Show notes

Laura Lane has experienced tragedy throughout her life. At the age of nine, both her mother and little sister were killed in a car accident. Later in life, Laura lost her daughter to a rare form of brain cancer. However, despite these tough challenges in her life, Laura still finds ways to inspire and be a champion of change in her community. Find out more about what Laura does, and how you can step up in your community to positively impact the lives of others.

Key Takeaways:

[3:25] Who is Laura and what does she do right now?

[5:10] Laura's daughter, Celeste, was diagnosed with a very rare form of brain cancer.

[8:45] Laura realized right away that she couldn't do this alone. She contacted inspiring figures, speakers, and mentors to help, and they did!

[15:25] During this intense time, how was Laura keeping it together?

[25:10] Celeste didn't have much time left, and one of her last wishes was to meet Robbie Williams, Celine Dion, Anne Hathaway, and David Tennant. Laura sent a call out to her network, and over the next few days and weeks, they all called Celeste.

[29:40] Laura feels so blessed that so many strangers were ready to help her little girl.

[30:40] What kind of community service projects is Laura currently working on?

[41:50] After fundraising, Laura went to her community's high school and asked the principal what she needed. "Running shoes," she said. So Laura went to her local shoe store and ended up filling nine hockey bags (they're bigger than army duffle bags) with new shoes for both elementary school and teenage kids.

[51:00] Laura shares a heartbreaking story about what happened days before she arrived to give away the shoes to this community.

[1:01:30] With so much going on, how does Laura keep such a positive attitude?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Laura Lane

Laura Lane on LinkedIn

Two Mothers, One Prayer

LifeSuccess Consultants

239: Giving Back Insights #83 — Independence Day 2018 with Rob Lowe Jul 19, 2018

Show notes

Welcome to the 83rd episode of Giving Back Insights, my Thursday solo show where I talk about how our guests and their charities serve others, to explore actions each of can take to make a difference in people's lives and to share. Today I'm discussing Independence Day 2018. Listen to today's episode and don't forget to give your feedback and valuable comment. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

Today's show is all about Independence Day 2018. As a kid, I celebrated the bicentennial years of independence in 1996. I was a very optimist boy of 9 years old.

We can make a difference and honor our beautiful country by giving back on independence day. Of course, there are many ways to honor those brave and great men and women who are working for our country.

Below are some beautiful stories and images that will inspire you to do something today.

Making a Difference: A World of Giving - Honoring America on Independence Day by Giving Back https://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-m-dietlin/making-a-difference-a-wor_b_3530339.html

A moment of Fourth of July kindness in Boston

https://www.boston.com/culture/lifestyle/2016/07/04/a-moment-of-fourth-of-july-kindness-in-boston-inspired-these-striking-illustrations

15 Patriotic Acts of Kindness https://www.eatsleepbe.com/2015/06/14/15-patriotic-acts-of-kindness/

4th of July 2018 in pictures: Best Independence Day celebrations from USA https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/984241/4th-of-july-2018-fireworks-independence-day-celebrations-USA

14,000 Become U.S. Citizens to Celebrate Fourth of July

http://immigrationimpact.com/2018/07/03/citizens-naturalization-ceremonies-fourth-july/

During a recent naturalization ceremony in Nebraska, a district court judge presiding over the event reminded the new citizens about what it means to be American: "You may hear voices in this land that say that there's only one true American way. …There is no single American way to think or believe. Indeed, conformity of thought and belief would be contrary to the underlying principles of this great nation."

God Bless America :) Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness. Love & Gratitude, Rob

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

238: Prom Dresses for Every Girl — Betty Vitale with Tammi's Closet Jul 16, 2018

Show notes

Betty Vitale started Tammi's Closet in honor of her daughter. Tammi passed away from an unfortunate car accident while she was still a teenage girl. Betty had kept her prom dress for 10 years before giving it away to a girl who needed it more. This act sparked a whole new purpose in Betty's life. Now, she is currently in her fifth year of Tammi's Closet and has donated over 2000 dresses since the beginning! Find out more about Betty and her organization on this week's show!

Key Takeaways:

[3:10] How did Tammi's Closet get started?

[5:15] During Tammi's Closet's third year, someone broke into Betty's house and stole 19 prom dresses. She was heartbroken, but, through the media's help, the community and people from all over ended up donating 900 prom dresses that year.

[6:00] Betty is now in her filth year and 300 dresses have already been donated to her.

[7:45] Tammi died in an unfortunate car accident and it took Betty 10 years before she could give her dress away.

[14:00] Tammi's Closet is a way for Betty to keep her daughter's name alive and honor her.

[22:40] Macy's has been kind enough to donate gift certificates to Tammi's Closet.

[25:55] Does Betty take wedding dresses?

[28:15] Betty admits that the robbery of those 19 dresses was a blessing in disguise.

[32:20] What kinds of things does Betty need to make someone's prom day special?

[35:25] Betty shares her philosophy and why she believes in giving back.

[37:25] Tammi's Closet has made Betty a better and happier person.

[42:20] Hold on to what you have now because you never know if it's going to be gone.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Tammi's Closet on Facebook

GoFundMe - Tammi's Closet

Call Betty: 617-529-0198

237: Giving Back Insights #82 — George Madiou with Business 4 Vets with Rob Lowe Jul 12, 2018

Show notes

George founded the Network Marketing Magazine in 2005 to help members of the network marketing industry to get the training necessary to succeed in their business. He took that experience and passion and created Business4Vets, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, to help veterans, reservists, and active-duty military families achieve successful business owners in the Direct Sales and Network Marketing industry. Business4Vets is an incubator for military members who have an entrepreneurial desire and will help guide members in selecting, starting and running a business, while also providing expert training, coaching and mentoring along the way to help them achieve success. The Network Marketing Magazine has been helping people around the world achieve personal and professional success through Direct Sales and Network Marketing for over a decade and is now helping our deserving military families.

Key Takeaways:

George's 30+ businesses range from wildly successful to outrageous learning experiences

His father didn't expect to live during his service in WWII. His key to making it out? Not giving up. That's what he taught George and his siblings.

There are over 100 Million network marketing participants worldwide. In 2005 he started Network Marketing Magazine to help them be successful in their business.

How network marketing success works: choose the right company, have passion for the product, and get great training.

George has created a "boot camp" for Business 4 Vets to help vets and military families build their success using his experience and Network Marketing Magazine resources.

Business 4 Vets launches on the Fourth of July, 2018. George will be here in a series of interviews to talk about progress, results, and impact on those he serves.

His goal: 25,000 vets and their families in Business 4 Vets by the time we meet again.

Good luck, George! See you in October!

Remember: Always err on the side of love & kindness.

Love & Gratitude,

Rob

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

Business 4 vets

The network marketing magazine

236: We're All A Part of the Same Family — Shara Gonzales with New Beginnings Jul 09, 2018

Show notes

Shara Gonzales is the President and CEO of New Beginnings, an organization that helps those who have been displaced in Hutchinson, Kansas. The goal is simple, to achieve permanent and affordable housing for the disadvantaged, and to create successful outcomes for all members of the community. Shara has dedicated 27 years of her life to serving her community in a sustainable way. Find out more about her and her story on today's show!

Key Takeaways:

[3:30] Who is Shara and why did she create New Beginnings?

[6:40] To help people out of homelessness and bring them back into the community, a 'one size fits all' approach simply doesn't work.

[9:35] Shara's work focuses on creating stability so that people can go to work without being worried about where they're going to sleep that night.

[12:10] What is an Oxford house and why does Shara like that housing model?

[17:00] How does Shara screen for people?

[21:25] How does New Beginnings get funded?

[25:00] You can't have a house without a job, so why don't we employ people to build houses?

[28:55] Shara started New Beginnings 27 years ago!

[29:45] How can Shara take this model that she's created and apply it to bigger cities and communities?

[33:00] Where is the affordable housing located in your community?

[38:00] The next step for Shara is to help create social enterprises to employ more people in the community.

[45:55] Systems and businesses are failing. In the 1970's, America started losing manufacturing jobs, and it still hasn't recovered or replaced those jobs.

[48:35] Most people don't really know or understand the root cause of why homelessness happens.

[57:00] Remember, we're all a part of the same family.

[58:00] Shara shares a story of how her organization helps displaced people.

[1:03:05] You just don't know when/if it'll happen to you. No one is immune to a rainy day, and some of us don't have the connections to recover.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Giving Back Podcast

New Beginnings

Shara Gonzales on LinkedIn