The Do Gooders Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

252: A new year, a new chapter with Commissioners James and Sue Betts Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

As we begin a new year, we're sharing the joy of a new chapter in the Western Territory.

Commissioners James and Sue Betts have stepped into leadership as the new Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women's Ministries for The Salvation Army's USA Western Territory.

After nearly three decades of ministry together—in corps, divisions, the Adult Rehabilitation Centers, and most recently in national leadership—they bring a wealth of experience, a deep love for people, and a contagious joy for serving the Lord.

Married for 33 years and officers for 29, they're the proud parents of three adult children—all active in ministry themselves—and grandparents to three energetic grandkids who keep them smiling.

Sue holds degrees in psychology and intercultural studies, and Jim in communication, ministry, and business, plus three years of service in the U.S. Army Band. They're loyal Cleveland sports fans, passionate about raising up Christ-centered leaders, and committed to helping people experience the transforming love of Jesus.

Today, we'll get to know the Bettses as leaders and as people—hear about the lessons that shaped them, their hopes for the West, and the vision they carry for 2026 and beyond.

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251: The extraordinary gift of Christmas with Commissioner Douglas Riley Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Today, we're closing out our Give With Joy series with a special Christmas message from our Territorial Commander, Commissioner Douglas Riley.

As we celebrate the season together, Commissioner Riley invites us to pause amid the noise and remember the heart of Christmas—the miracle of God's love made known in Jesus. It's a message of hope for the weary, joy for the heart that gives, and peace for all who make room for him this season.

So wherever this message finds you today—whether surrounded by family, serving your community, making those final preparations, or simply listening in for a quiet moment—may this reflection remind you that God is with us, and his gift still transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

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250: Olympia's Roaring Motorcycle Toy Run with Captain Amelia Mott Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Every December in Olympia, Washington, the sound of Christmas isn't just bells ringing—it's engines revving.

For one incredible day, thousands of bikers fill the streets, each with toys strapped to their motorcycles—dolls, skateboards, games, stuffed animals—all destined for children who might otherwise go without.

It's the annual Olympia Toy Run, and for 48 years, this event has brought together riders from all over the region for one shared purpose: bringing joy to kids at Christmas.

Those toys, thousands of them, end up at The Salvation Army, where they become part of the Toy and Joy program—helping families across Thurston County celebrate Christmas with dignity and love.

Today, we'll talk with Captain Amelia Mott from The Salvation Army in Olympia about how the Toy Run helps meet real needs in the community—and later, we'll catch up with Santa Joe, the biker who started and has led this joyful ride year after year.

Because generosity doesn't always come wrapped with ribbons and bows. Sometimes, it comes roaring down the street on two wheels.

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249: Inside The Salvation Army's Angel Tree with Marlene Klotz-Collins Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

There's nothing quite like the joy on a child's face when they open a Christmas gift chosen just for them. It's the kind of joy that lingers long after the wrapping paper is gone—the joy of being remembered, seen and loved.

For more than 40 years, The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program has made that moment possible for children across the country. It has grown into a movement that now brings Christmas joy to more than a million children each year.

The idea was simple: invite the community to adopt a child by name, shop for their Christmas wishes, and then return those gifts so they could be placed into the hands of families who might otherwise go without. Behind that simple plan are countless stories of connection and hope—families who breathe a sigh of relief, children who go back to school with new clothes, volunteers who find purpose in serving.

Today, you'll hear from people whose lives have been touched by these gifts. Captain Yohani Ortiz shares her own story of receiving gifts as a child and how it shaped her life. And then, you'll hear from Marlene Klotz-Collins, who helped launch the Christmas Angel program in Phoenix and has volunteered faithfully for four decades.

Because at Christmastime, joy shows up in many faces—and often, it starts with a simple paper angel.

EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more.

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248: Christmas began with a promise with Amanda Bible Williams Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

Christmas isn't only about the manger in Bethlehem. It's about the bigger story—one that stretches from Genesis to Revelation. The story of creation, fall, redemption and restoration. And at its center, the good news, as we read in John 1:14, is the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

At Christmas, we celebrate that truth—the Word became flesh. In the middle of all the gift-giving and celebrations, Scripture reminds us that the greatest gift has already been given. And that gift—the Bible tells us—is for you.

That's also the conviction behind She Reads Truth, a worldwide movement of women committed to opening their Bibles every day. Today, I'm joined by its co-founder, Amanda Bible Williams, who alongside Raechel Myers just released their newest devotional book, The Bible Is for You. In it, they take readers on a journey through every book of the Bible, connecting the dots in God's story of redemption.

So whether you're new to Scripture, or you've spent years in its pages, this conversation will encourage you to see Christmas—and the whole Bible—with fresh eyes. Because the story of Jesus isn't just ancient history. It's alive, it's unfolding—and it's for you.

EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more.

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DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

247: Behind the Red Kettle Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Today, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the most familiar sights and sounds of Christmas: the Red Kettle.

You've probably walked past one outside your grocery store or shopping center—the bell ringing, the volunteers bundled up in scarves and mittens, and that iconic kettle inviting you to pause for just a moment and give.

This year, for the 135th year, The Salvation Army's iconic Red Kettles will stand as a symbol of hope, generosity and community. Last year, in just 28 days, Americans gave nearly $100 million at thousands of kettles nationwide. Every dollar stayed in the community where it was given. Together, those gifts helped The Salvation Army serve more than 27 million people all year long.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that "God loves a cheerful giver." And that's what the kettle is all about—not just collecting change, but sparking joy. Joy in giving. Joy in serving. Joy in knowing that together we can make Christmas brighter for families in need.

Today, you'll hear from a longtime officer and volunteer about what kettles mean, why they still matter, and how every gift—no matter the size—changes lives.

So the next time you hear that familiar ring, I hope you'll think of what's happening behind the scenes—and the lives that are being changed because of it.

EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more.

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DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

246: Your brain on altruism with Nicole Karlis Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that "God loves a cheerful giver." And we've seen that throughout this series—giving changes lives, both for those who receive and for those who give.

But here's something interesting: science agrees. Research shows that helping others doesn't just strengthen communities—it also transforms our health. Acts of kindness can boost our resilience, lower stress, and even help us live longer.

Today, I'm joined by health and science journalist Nicole Karlis, author of "Your Brain on Altruism." In her book, she explores how generosity lights up our brains, improves our well-being, and nurtures a culture of caring.

We'll talk about why crises often bring out extraordinary generosity, what the latest science says about altruism, and how we can sustain caring for one another even after the crisis passes.

EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more.

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DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

245: Profiles in joyful giving Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Alright, let's cut right to it today: the people behind the gifts—the donors, kids, families and partners who show us what it means to give with joy.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

And when we hear "cheerful giver," it's easy to picture the act itself—dropping money in a kettle, buying a toy for a child, or writing a check. But what's so powerful is how giving transforms both the receiver and the giver.

In this episode, you'll hear stories of people who've made generosity part of their tradition. Joy multiplies. Families are knit closer together. Communities are strengthened. And those who receive don't just get a meal, a gift or a place to stay—they experience hope, dignity and love.

So as you listen, I invite you to consider: what's one joyful giving tradition you could start in your own life, or with your family? Because as you'll hear in these stories, cheerful giving doesn't just change Christmas—it changes us.

EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more.

BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series.

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DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

244: 6 ways to Give With Joy this Christmas Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

Both science and Scripture agree on something powerful: generosity is good for you.

The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley found that generosity leads to better health, longer life, stronger relationships and yes, greater happiness. And long before researchers confirmed it, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

That's the heart of this series—and of this season. At Christmastime, the spirit of generosity shines brightest. One study found that people are 14 percent more likely to make a donation in December than in any other month of the year.

But here's the thing: giving isn't just about what we give. It's about how we give. And that's why we're calling it: Give With Joy.

EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more.

BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series.

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DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

243 Slowing Down: Come away and rest with Alyson Pryor Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

In a world that glorifies busyness, what if rest is actually the most faithful thing you can do?

In this final episode of our Slowing Down series on The Do Gooders Podcast, Christin Thieme talks with Alyson Pryor—marriage and family therapist, spiritual director and author of the forthcoming book "Come Away and Rest: A Guide to Personal Spiritual Retreats."

With wisdom drawn from her own story of burnout as a mom of five and her work guiding ministry leaders, Alyson offers practical steps for creating space for silence, solitude and rest right where you are.

EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more.

BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series.

JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group.

WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz.

BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram.

DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.