Contagious Culture

Kyle S. King
  • 5.0 (26)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Weekly

The Contagious Culture Podcast with Kyle S. King is focuses on helping mission-driven leaders build strong teams and fund bold work, without losing the heart behind the mission. Each episode features real conversations with nonprofit founders, school leaders, and impact-minded partners, sharing the strategies, stories, and systems that drive culture, leadership, and sustainable growth. If you’re building in education, youth development, or community impact and want practical insights you can apply immediately, this show is for you.

  1. 6d ago

    #213 | From Raising Money to Raising People: Building Courageous Nonprofits with Jonathon Roe

    In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with Jonathon Roe, Founder and CEO of Venture 1:9, for a conversation on courageous nonprofit leadership, sustainable growth, fundraising, organizational strategy, and creating nonprofits that actually move the needle. Jonathon shares his journey from nearly two decades of church and ministry leadership into nonprofit coaching, training, and development. He explains why Venture 1:9 believes the world doesn't need more nonprofits, it needs more courageous nonprofits and why effective leadership, clear strategic direction, and sustainable funding are essential to creating lasting impact. This episode is a powerful reminder that nonprofit leadership isn't simply about keeping an organization busy. It's about building the leadership, strategy, relationships, and resources necessary to create meaningful and sustainable change. Key Topics • Building courageous nonprofit organizations • The three pillars of a healthy nonprofit • Effective leadership and organizational assessment • Creating clear strategic direction • Building sustainable funding models • Fundraising as relationship building • Moving beyond transactional fundraising • Raising people instead of simply raising money Key Takeaways • The world doesn't need more nonprofits, it needs more courageous nonprofits. • A healthy nonprofit requires effective leadership, clear strategic direction, and sustainable funding. • Fundraising is not simply about raising money; it's about raising up people. • Donors want to understand why their involvement matters and what their support makes possible. • Strong fundraising starts with genuine relationships, not an immediate ask. • Nonprofit leaders should know the stories and motivations behind their strongest supporters. • Be specific when communicating opportunities for people to get involved. • Before asking supporters for another gift, show them the impact of their previous one. • Leaders have to honestly assess where their organization is strong and where it needs help. • Sustainable nonprofit growth requires more than passion, it requires leadership, strategy, and infrastructure. • The goal isn't simply to stay busy; it's to move the needle. • Courageous leadership means being willing to take the next step even when you don't have every piece of the puzzle. Episode History 00:00 — Kyle introduces Jonathon and Venture 1:9 02:00 — Jonathon's journey into nonprofit leadership and coaching 06:00 — Taking a leap of faith and moving to Arizona 10:00 — The story and mission behind Venture 1:9 14:00 — Why the world needs courageous nonprofits 18:00 — The three pillars of a healthy nonprofit 22:00 — Assessing leadership, strategy, and funding 26:00 — Venture 1:9's training, coaching, and granting model 30:00 — Why fundraising is about more than raising money 34:00 — Building authentic relationships with donors 38:00 — Three practical things nonprofit leaders can do 42:00 — Getting to know the stories behind your supporters 46:00 — Creating specific opportunities for people to give 50:00 — Reporting impact and closing the loop with donors 54:00 — Leading with courage and creating sustainable impact 58:00 — Jonathon's final encouragement for nonprofit leaders 01:00:00 — Kyle closes the conversation

  2. Sep 10

    #212 | Healing Through Movement, Connection, and Purpose W/ Shanea Calhoun

    What if therapy didn't require sitting still? In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with Shanea Calhoun, founder of Therapy in Motion, an organization built on purposeful movement, human connection, and inclusive wellness. A Division I triathlete turned entrepreneur, Shanea shares how her love of movement became a model for meeting people exactly where they are — serving individuals with autism, Down syndrome, TBIs, and dementia through adaptive, creative, connection-first care. The conversation goes beyond the work itself. Shanea opens up about the moment she went from being the resource to needing one, why healing is a slow and personal staircase, and how her own therapy is watching the people she serves thrive. It's a candid look at purpose, resilience, and taking care of yourself with the same rigor you pour into everyone else. In this episode The origin of Therapy in Motion and why it looks beyond traditional therapy What makes the program unique: serving lower-functioning populations from age three to dementia care Behavior as communication — learning to listen to what someone can't say in words The early challenge of standing out, and the current challenge of finding staff with the heart for the work Shanae's background as a University of Pittsburgh triathlete and how sport shaped her leadership The story that keeps her going: moving to North Carolina and becoming the one in need of a resource Advice for entrepreneurs running low on passion — prayer, mentorship, and remembering your "why" How Shanea defines healing, and why it looks different for everyone Why the work is her own therapy What she's running toward vs. running from as a leader What's next: the nonprofit arm, Sports Motion in Learning Key takeaways Meet people where they are — don't make them fit your program. Everyone can move, everyone can communicate something, and everyone needs connection. At any moment, the person serving can become the person in need. Lead with that awareness. Healing is a continual, step-by-step journey, not a quick fix. Take care of yourself with the same care you give others — you deserve it, and it's possible. Memorable moment "Life is a staircase… eventually you'll get to the top — not society's top, but their top." About the guest Shanea Calhoun is the founder of Therapy in Motion, which delivers therapeutic recreation, movement, cognitive activities, and purposeful connection for individuals with diverse needs. She is also building the organization's nonprofit arm, Sports Motion in Learning, aimed at expanding inclusive, adaptive wellness into sports and community settings. Connect with Shanae Instagram: @therapyinmotion_LLC Facebook: Therapy in Motion Personal: Shanae Calhoun Follow the show If this episode moved you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it. And go support Therapy in Motion — be a supporter, not just a watcher. The energy you bring is the culture you create.

  3. Sep 3

    #211 | From Group Chat to Global Impact W/ Nick Kalenichenko

    In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with Nick Kalanichenko, founder of Kingdom Kickbacks, for a conversation on community, leadership, volunteer engagement, nonprofit growth, and building organizations that can sustain their mission. Nick shares how Kingdom Kickbacks started as a simple group chat between friends across churches and grew into a thriving community serving thousands of young adults in Charlotte. He opens up about the challenges that come when a mission grows faster than the systems supporting it, the decision to bring on an Executive Director, and why sustainable growth requires leaders to learn how to delegate, empower others, and build a team around the mission. This episode is a reminder that growth is both a gift and a responsibility. When the mission outgrows the capacity of the founders, leaders have to be willing to evolve, build systems, trust others, and create a structure that allows the mission to keep moving forward. Key Topics • Building community from the ground up • Growing a mission-driven organization organically • Volunteer leadership and engagement • Delegation and empowering others • Knowing when to hire your first executive leader • Transitioning from founder-led to team-led leadership • Building sustainable nonprofit infrastructure • Identifying and responding to real community needs • Networking and learning from other leaders • Scaling a nonprofit without losing the mission • Building a repeatable organizational playbook • Expanding impact into new communities Episode History 00:00 — Kyle introduces Nick and the story behind Kingdom Kickbacks 02:00 — How a simple group chat became a growing community 06:00 — Creating consistent community for young adults in Charlotte 10:00 — Growing through worship, service, and relationships 14:00 — The challenges of leading a rapidly growing organization 18:00 — Learning to delegate and empower volunteers 22:00 — Recognizing when the mission has outgrown the founders' capacity 26:00 — The decision to hire an Executive Director 30:00 — Finding the right leader from within the volunteer community 34:00 — Building sustainable systems and nonprofit infrastructure 38:00 — What Mission Charlotte revealed about the organization's capacity 42:00 — Why networking and learning from other leaders matters 46:00 — The importance of identifying a real community need 50:00 — Nick's vision for expanding Kingdom Kickbacks into new cities 54:00 — Final leadership lessons and closing - Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

  4. Aug 13

    #210 | When Purpose Meets Process with Heather Shafter

    In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with Heather Shafter, COO, keynote speaker, author, and operations consultant, for a conversation on purpose, process, leadership, and healthy organizational culture. Heather shares how purpose-driven organizations can move from big vision to clear execution, why leaders need curiosity in difficult conversations, and how strong processes help teams avoid burnout, confusion, and mission drift. This episode is a reminder that passion alone is not enough. To build something sustainable, leaders need clarity, communication, accountability, and systems that support the mission. Key Topics Purpose-driven leadership Difficult conversations and curiosity Bias, identity, and respectful dialogue People problems vs. process problems Role clarity and accountability Healthy organizational culture Mission alignment Strategic planning and execution The Entrepreneurial Operating System and Traction Building sustainable teams and organizations Key Takeaways Difficult conversations become easier when leaders stay curious. Many “people problems” are actually process problems. Healthy culture shows up in how people communicate, help one another, and make decisions. Purpose-driven organizations need systems to sustain their mission. A strategic plan only works when it is used consistently. Leaders must identify the work that creates the greatest mission impact. Culture is what people consistently experience, not just what leaders say. Episode History 00:00 — Kyle introduces Heather and the focus of the conversation 02:00 — Heather shares what is inspiring her right now 04:00 — Difficult conversations, curiosity, and respectful disagreement 08:00 — Bias, humanity, and learning from people with different views 12:00 — Leadership lessons from mentorship and operations 15:00 — People problems vs. process problems 18:00 — What healthy culture looks like behind the scenes 22:00 — Aligning daily work with mission 26:00 — Strategic planning and choosing quarterly priorities 30:00 — Heather shares why justice and purpose drive her work 34:00 — Final leadership challenge and closing - Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

  5. Jul 10

    #209 | You Can’t Scale Culture If You’re Losing Yourself W/ Kyle S. King

    In this solo episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle S. King reflects on leadership, burnout, capacity, and the hidden cost of building something that matters. Kyle shares why many leaders are not struggling because they lack ability, but because they are carrying too much. He opens up about moving the Contagious Culture Conference to 2027, simplifying organizational priorities, and learning to build a company that fits within his life instead of consuming it. This episode challenges leaders to stop adding more and start asking what needs to be removed, realigned, or rebuilt. Key Takeaways Leaders often break because they are carrying too much. Growth sometimes requires removing, not adding. You cannot scale culture if you are losing yourself. Alignment matters more than activity. Teams should be built around needed skills, not comfort. Strong leaders tell the truth, even when decisions are hard. Your organization should fit inside your life, not become your life. Episode History 00:00 — Welcome and Episode #209 milestone 01:50 — Leaders are carrying too much 03:45 — Success, wholeness, and unbecoming 06:00 — Why the conference moved to 2027 08:00 — Leaders default under pressure 10:30 — Combining Growth Lab and Growth Alliance 11:00 — Capacity challenges and founder limits 12:45 — Identifying team skill gaps 14:30 — Aligning podcast, community, and offers 15:30 — Playing defense through processes, personnel, and systems 19:10 — You cannot scale culture if you are losing yourself 21:30 — Let the company fit inside your life 22:50 — Final challenge and closing - Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

  6. Jul 9

    #208 | The Power of Shrimp to Change Lives W/ Maxie Gluckman, Ph.D.

    In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle S. King sits down with Maxie Gluckman, executive director of Friends of Fundesur, to explore leadership, global service, education, migration, and the power of listening. Maxie shares how her journey as a teacher, researcher, and global citizen led her to support communities in southern Honduras through a foundation connected to the shrimp industry. They discuss how environmental and economic changes affect families, why storytelling must center dignity instead of trauma, and how leadership often begins with one small act of courage and kindness. The message is simple: you do not have to change the entire world at once. You can listen, take action, and create meaningful change one person at a time. Episode History  00:00 — Introduction 01:00 — Maxie’s walkout song and educational journey 02:30 — Growing up as a first-generation American 03:30 — Teaching and learning from immigrant families 04:50 — The work of Friends of Fundesur 05:45 — Why shrimp farming has become more difficult 07:00 — How supply-chain changes affect children and families 07:30 — Why this work became Maxie’s calling 08:45 — Leadership through action 09:15 — A small act of kindness after a fundraiser 11:00 — Stories from migrant families 13:15 — Identity beyond professional titles 14:30 — Running toward motherhood and greater equity 16:30 — How listeners can support the mission 17:30 — Maxie’s slingshot moments 18:30 — Identity, allyship, and community work 19:30 — Reconnecting a mother and daughter 21:30 — Advice for sustaining meaningful work 22:30 — Where to connect with Friends of Fundesur Key Takeaways Listening to communities should come before designing solutions for them. Leadership is choosing to act when doing nothing would be easier. Small moments of kindness can hold as much meaning as large-scale initiatives. Stories should highlight resilience, learning, and dignity, not only trauma. Access and privilege create a responsibility to build bridges for others. Community work requires humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to question your role. Caring for yourself is necessary if you want to continue caring for others. Relationships and introductions can be just as valuable as financial donations. - Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

  7. Jul 8

    #207 | From Boardroom Ideas to Meaningful Action W/ Kelly Beeland

    In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with nonprofit strategy and execution advisor Kelly Beeland to explore why so many strategic plans stall after they are approved. Kelly shares how boards and executive directors can create clarity, assess capacity, define roles, strengthen governance, and move from endless conversation to meaningful execution. The message is clear: strategy only creates impact when people understand the plan, know their responsibilities, and have the capacity to act. Episode History 00:00 — Introduction 02:30 — Kelly’s journey into change management 04:00 — Lessons from large-scale transformation 06:00 — Governance and nonprofit board leadership 09:00 — Seeing both systems and people 10:30 — Where struggling boards should begin 12:30 — Getting everyone on the same page 14:30 — Creating a culture of execution 17:00 — Capacity, alignment, and role clarity 19:30 — Building the right board 22:00 — The value of serving on an emerging board 24:00 — Developing high-performing boards 25:30 — Planning board development across the year 28:00 — What is next for Kelly 31:00 — Supporting burned-out executive directors Key Takeaways A strategic plan is only useful when it includes clear ownership, timing, and execution. Boards often struggle because members do not understand their role or expectations. Alignment and role clarity are different from capacity, but all three affect performance. Boards should plan for the full year instead of moving from one meeting agenda to the next. Committees need defined responsibilities, deadlines, and reporting structures. Executive directors must honestly assess what their organization can accomplish with its current resources. A strong relationship between the board chair and executive director is essential. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

  8. Jul 7

    #206 | Reclaim Your Story and Lead Unapologetically W/ Frank Velásquez Jr.

    In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Frank Velásquez Jr. for a powerful conversation about authenticity, courage, joy, and reclaiming the stories that shape who we are. Frank shares how values-aligned leadership can help people become more confident, lead with greater intention, and create environments where others feel seen, supported, and empowered. The message is clear: meaningful leadership begins when you stop hiding, own your story, and give yourself permission to lead unapologetically. Episode History 00:00 — Introduction 01:15 — Meet Frank Velásquez Jr. 03:30 — Frank’s origin story and leadership journey 06:45 — Reclaiming your personal story 10:00 — Authenticity and values-aligned leadership 14:30 — Leading with courage 18:00 — Practicing joy unapologetically 22:00 — Creating spaces where people can show up fully 26:00 — The leadership program and its impact 30:00 — Why Frank is determined to restart the program 33:00 — Advice for leaders who are hiding parts of themselves 36:00 — How to connect with and support Frank 38:00 — Final reflections Key Takeaways Authentic leadership requires the courage to be fully seen. Your values should shape the way you lead. Joy is not separate from serious leadership. It can strengthen your impact. Your story can become a source of connection, purpose, and confidence. Transformational programs give people space to discover who they are and how they want to lead. Reclaiming your story allows you to lead without apology. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

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5
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About

The Contagious Culture Podcast with Kyle S. King is focuses on helping mission-driven leaders build strong teams and fund bold work, without losing the heart behind the mission. Each episode features real conversations with nonprofit founders, school leaders, and impact-minded partners, sharing the strategies, stories, and systems that drive culture, leadership, and sustainable growth. If you’re building in education, youth development, or community impact and want practical insights you can apply immediately, this show is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Kyle S. King
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Contagious Culture