Good For Others Podcast

John Valencia

Good For Others highlights positive change-makers from various charities to inspire and motivate people to volunteer and get involved in their communities. With interviews of major philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and incredible volunteers, we share stories about how nonprofits are solving critical needs throughout the world. 

  1. Jun 23

    The Shrimp Story with Dr. Maxie Gluckman

    In this episode of The Good For Others Show, John Valencia sits down with Dr. Maxie Gluckman, Executive Director of Friends of Fundesur, to talk about what happens when community-driven leadership, private-sector partnership, and global impact come together. Maxie shares the story behind the shrimp pin she always wears — and how shrimp exports from Honduras became the unexpected foundation for funding education, healthcare, environmental work, and livelihoods in rural communities. From mobile dental care with “Dr. Candy,” to life-saving access to dengue testing and medication, to a $21 million shipment of donated medicine making its way to Honduras, this conversation is full of powerful reminders that impact can start in surprising places. Together, John and Maxie explore what it means to listen deeply, act with intention, and support the leaders closest to the work. This episode is about more than shrimp. It’s about connection, dignity, health, education, and the small moments that can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Learn more about Friends of Fundesur at friendsoffundesur.org. Learn more about Good For Others Foundation at goodforothers.org. The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change. 👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:  https://goodforothers.org 📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):  https://app.goodforothers.org 🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:  https://goodforothers.org/contact Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

    42 min
  2. Apr 13

    From Spark to STEM: Building a Pipeline for the Next Generation

    In this episode of The Good For Others Show, John Valencia sits down with Shara Fisler, Founder and Executive Director of Ocean Discovery Institute, to explore what it really takes to build systems that create lasting opportunity. From its beginnings as a small summer program to a nationally recognized, equity-centered STEM pipeline, Ocean Discovery Institute is redefining what’s possible for students from historically underrepresented communities. With outcomes like 100% high school graduation and college acceptance rates, Shara shares how a focus on belief, long-term investment, and community-centered design drives real, measurable impact. This conversation dives into leadership, workforce development, and the importance of building programs that don’t just serve, but transform. Shara also reflects on her journey as a founder, lessons learned along the way, and how intentional culture, data, and innovation can work together to create scalable change. If you care about economic mobility, education, and building systems that actually work, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and get inspired to do good, better. Learn more about Ocean Discovery Institute: https://oceandiscoveryinstitute.org The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change. 👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:  https://goodforothers.org 📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):  https://app.goodforothers.org 🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:  https://goodforothers.org/contact Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

    53 min
  3. 05/12/2025

    Redesigning Work: Creating Equitable Pathways for All

    In this insightful episode of the Good For Others podcast, host John Valencia is joined by Parina Parikh, Associate Vice President at Jobs for the Future (JFF), to explore the rapidly evolving world of work. Together, they examine the challenges and opportunities emerging in today’s employment landscape, particularly in light of technological change, automation, and shifting workforce demands. Parikh shares her expertise on how JFF is actively working to build equitable pathways to economic advancement. She highlights the importance of skills-based hiring, the transformation of education systems, and the role employers and community organizations must play in fostering inclusive economic mobility. Throughout the episode, John and Parina emphasize: The need for adaptability and lifelong learning in modern careersStrategies to bridge the skills gap and prepare workers for in-demand rolesHow cross-sector collaboration can support underserved communitiesWhy equity and access must remain central in workforce development initiativesWhether you’re an employer, educator, policy advocate, or job seeker, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on how to shape a more just and prepared workforce for the future. The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change. 👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:  https://goodforothers.org 📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):  https://app.goodforothers.org 🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:  https://goodforothers.org/contact Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

    38 min
  4. 04/28/2025

    Hope After Hardship: How Promises2Kids Transforms Lives

    In this episode, host John Valencia sits down with Tonya Torosian, Chief Executive Officer at Promises2Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in San Diego County. Promises2Kids provides critical services like emergency shelter, college scholarships, and mentorship programs to help children heal from trauma and build a brighter future. John discusses the organization's flagship initiatives: The Polinsky Children's Center, offering emergency shelter and protection.Guardian Scholars, providing scholarships and mentoring for foster youth pursuing higher education.Camp Connect, reuniting brothers and sisters separated in foster care through special events and overnight camping trips.Foster Funds, supplying basic needs and enrichment opportunities for foster youth.The conversation explores the deep emotional needs of foster children, the importance of community support, and how Promises2Kids empowers youth to break the cycle of abuse and neglect. John also shares how listeners can get involved through volunteering, donations, and spreading awareness. The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change. 👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:  https://goodforothers.org 📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):  https://app.goodforothers.org 🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:  https://goodforothers.org/contact Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

    30 min
  5. 03/17/2025

    From Donations to Careers: The Power of Goodwill San Diego

    On this episode of The Good For Others Show, host John Valencia sits down with Darlene Cossio, Director of Marketing Communications at Goodwill Industries of San Diego, to uncover the incredible impact Goodwill has beyond just donation centers and thrift stores! Tune in to hear how Goodwill is: 🔹 Empowering Careers by provides job training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to work 🔹 Offering hands-on experience in retail, e-commerce, transportation, and more through their paid training programs 🔹 Focused on sustainability & recycling by keeping usable goods out of landfills while funding job programs 🔹 Creating real change through their community impact with 1,200+ employees (58% with disabilities or barriers to work) If you're looking for a meaningful career, workforce training, or a way to support your community, this episode is a must-listen! 🌎 Learn more: sdgoodwill.org The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change. 👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation:  https://goodforothers.org 📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more):  https://app.goodforothers.org 🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work:  https://goodforothers.org/contact Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.

    37 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Good For Others highlights positive change-makers from various charities to inspire and motivate people to volunteer and get involved in their communities. With interviews of major philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and incredible volunteers, we share stories about how nonprofits are solving critical needs throughout the world.