Escape into a Cause

Stephanie Dyer
  • 5.0 (6)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Studies show that people who contribute to something bigger than themselves are happier and live with fewer regrets. Join host Stephanie Dyer as she explores how to create meaningful impact in Austin, Texas, and the surrounding areas. Escape into a Cause hopes to inspire others to turn their good intentions into great impact by sharing stories of community, connecting people to local non-profits, and encouraging everyone to step up, unplug, and make a difference.

  1. Escape Into Austin Community Foundation

    FEB 20

    Escape Into Austin Community Foundation

    The next 25 years are going to change the way we give. Are nonprofits ready for women and younger generations who care more about causes than organizations? We're excited to welcome Meagan Anderson Longley, Chief Impact Officer at Austin Community Foundation, to the conversation! 🎙️ Often described as a charitable bank, Austin Community Foundation partners with individuals, families, and businesses across Central Texas to connect them with the causes they care about most. Guided by research and community insights, ACF helps address both urgent needs and long-term challenges, making sure every gift creates lasting impact. Ways Austin Community Foundation makes an Impact: Expanding Housing Opportunities – Investing in the protection, preservation, and production of affordable housing for a thriving Central Texas. Supporting Nonprofits – Providing grants and resources to organizations tackling the most critical and evolving community needs. Strategic Philanthropy – Partnering with individuals, families, and businesses to create customized giving strategies that maximize impact across generations. How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights: Become a Fundholder - Partner with Austin Community Foundation to create a customized giving strategy that aligns with your passions and priorities while building long term impact for Central Texas. 👉 https://www.austincf.org/give/ways-to-give/  Volunteer - Support Central Texas from home by reviewing scholarship applications that help students reach college and career goals or by reviewing grant applications that address urgent and systemic needs. 👉 https://www.austincf.org/give/volunteer/  Attend Austin in Common - Join Austin Community Foundation on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM for an evening of connection, celebration, and investment in the future of Austin. 👉 https://www.austincf.org/austin-in-common/ How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    54 min
  2. Escape Into Pop-Up Birthday

    JAN 23

    Escape Into Pop-Up Birthday

    Happy New Year! Do you have any goals for 2026 to connect and give back more? If not, we share some tips. Then we sit down with Marcus Cantu, Executive Director at Pop-Up Birthday to talk about why celebration matters, how birthdays can create a sense of belonging for children in CPS care, and how small, intentional moments can make a lasting impact. Pop-Up Birthday provides personalized birthday party boxes to children in foster care, ensuring every child they serve is recognized and celebrated on their special day. Each box includes everything needed to create a fun and meaningful birthday experience. Ways Pop-Up Birthday makes an Impact: Creating Joyful Memories – Personalized birthday boxes bring celebration and happiness to children in foster care. Providing Essential Supplies – Each box includes party supplies and gifts, ensuring no child misses out on the fun. Building Community Support – Partnering with volunteers and organizations to make every birthday special. How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights: Donate – Help keep birthday celebrations going for children connected to foster care by supporting personalized birthday boxes.👉 https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/EFq2dF90eToF6v7eprAMfg Become a Birthday Buddy – Shop for a specific child's birthday through a personalized registry and help make their birthday wishes come true. Gifts are wrapped and finalized by the Pop Up Birthday team. 👉 https://popupbirthday.org/shop/ Volunteer – Support the mission through individual, group, or corporate volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are the engine behind every celebration.👉 https://popupbirthday.org/volunteer/ Attend the Boot Scootin' Birthday Bash – Join Pop Up Birthday for their annual fundraiser on Friday, February 20 at 6:30 PM at the Etter Harbin Alumni Center. Enjoy western-inspired food, live country music, line dancing, and a mechanical bull while helping fund birthday celebrations for children throughout the year. 👉 https://hellofund.io/app/public/bidapp/popupbirthday  How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    53 min
  3. Escape Into Ronald McDonald House of Central Texas

    12/18/2025

    Escape Into Ronald McDonald House of Central Texas

    Join us as we escape into the Ronald McDonald House of Central Texas! In this episode, we explore why people are skeptical of large donations and the wealthy individuals behind them. We discuss the role of influence, tax write-offs, and "strings attached" gifts, and why nonprofits often earn more trust than big donors. We also sat down with Kristin Coulter, Chief Operating Officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas! The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas (RMHC CTX) is to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children and families. The Ronald McDonald House provides a "home away from home" for families with seriously ill children, offering free lodging, meals, and a supportive community near hospitals, reducing stress so parents can focus on their child's care and healing. They offer essential comforts like kitchens, laundry, play areas, and support services (meals, education for siblings) to keep families together during difficult medical treatments. Ways the Ronald McDonald House makes an Impact: Providing a Home Away from Home – Offering families lodging, meals, and essential comforts while their child receives care. Supporting Families Through Community and Care – Creating spaces where families can find emotional support, connect with others, and focus on healing together. Reducing Stress and Promoting Wellbeing – Providing resources like sibling education, play areas, and daily essentials so parents can fully focus on their child's health. How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights: Donate – Join the Family Support Club starting at $10/month or give a one-time gift to help families feel at home. 👉 https://www.rmhc-ctx.org/online-fundraiser?form=donate  Volunteer – Whether it's a one-time project or a recurring role, your time creates a lasting impact and truly makes the House a Home. Group volunteering is also welcome!👉 https://www.rmhc-ctx.org/volunteer  Shop their Amazon Wishlist – Help families focus on what matters most by sending high-priority essentials directly to the House. 👉 https://www.rmhc-ctx.org/wish-list How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    52 min
  4. Escape Into Family Eldercare

    12/11/2025

    Escape Into Family Eldercare

    Join us as we escape into Family Eldercare! We're excited to welcome Dr. Aaron Alarcon, Chief Executive Officer at Family Eldercare, to the conversation!   In this episode, we dive into the power of community and why collective care matters more than ever. We discuss how investing in the people around us builds connection, trust, and a sense of belonging that gives back when it matters most. Family Eldercare is a non-profit serving Central Texas that helps older adults and adults with disabilities live independently by providing housing, supportive services like meal prep, transportation, and case management, financial advocacy, and programs promoting mental and physical wellness. Their mission is to promote dignity, stability, and prevent abuse and neglect, connecting people to vital community resources so they can age with independence and quality of life. Ways Family Eldercare makes an Impact: Providing Safe and Affordable Housing – Ensuring older adults and adults with disabilities have stable homes to live independently. Offering Supportive Services – From in-home care and peer groups to financial counseling, helping clients stay healthy, connected, and financially secure. Promoting Dignity and Well-Being – Reducing isolation, preventing abuse, and empowering individuals to live with confidence and respect. How to Get Involved & Earn Some "Good Bragging" Rights: Donate – Your gift helps provide housing and essential services for older adults and adults with disabilities and every dollar is matched through December 31 to double your impact. 👉 https://familyeldercare.donorsupport.co/page/EOY2025  Attend a Friend-Raiser – Tour one of Family Eldercare's communities, hear from the people they serve, and connect with others while learning about their life-changing programs. 👉 https://www.familyeldercare.org/events/  Volunteer – Bring companionship, help with errands or finances, or make special events brighter for residents and create meaningful connections along the way. 👉 https://www.familyeldercare.org/volunteer-program/  How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    54 min
  5. Escape Into Project Schoolhouse

    12/04/2025

    Escape Into Project Schoolhouse

    Join us as we escape into Project Schoolhouse! We're excited to welcome Selina Serna, Executive Director, and Shannon Fohn, Board VP, at Project Schoolhouse to the conversation!   First we explore how technology can help mission-driven organizations do more with less. We discuss how AI, automation, and smarter tools can support small teams, strengthen messaging, and expand impact without expanding budgets. Then, we escape into Project Schoolhouse! Project Schoolhouse believes every child deserves a quality education, every community deserves clean water, and schools can be the foundation for stronger, sustainable communities. They work with local communities to build schools, provide clean water, and improve sanitation, helping families keep kids in the classroom. Focused in rural Nicaragua, many villages are remote, lack basic utilities, and families survive on less than $2/day. By addressing education, water, and sanitation together, Project Schoolhouse creates lasting, community-driven change. Ways Project Schoolhouse makes an Impact: Building Schools & Supporting Education – Partnering with communities to give children access to quality education. Providing Clean Water & Improving Sanitation – Ensuring families have safe water and healthier living conditions. Empowering Communities – Facilitating grassroots projects with local volunteer participation for lasting change. How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights: Donate: Supplies, books, and monthly contributions directly support schools, clean water, and sanitation projects in rural Nicaragua. 👉 https://www.projectschoolhouse.org/donate/ Volunteer: Join a Service Adventure Tour to help build schools and water systems while connecting with local communities firsthand. 👉 https://www.projectschoolhouse.org/careers-and-volunteer-opportunities/  Join Impact Hour: Dec 4 · 5 PM at Lazarus Brewing Co. · Enjoy drinks while learning how small actions make a big difference for children.  👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/impact-hours-with-project-schoolhouse-tickets-1824674072269  Stay connected: Follow @projectschoolhouse and subscribe to their newsletter to learn more and get involved. 👉 https://www.projectschoolhouse.org/newsletter/  How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    52 min
  6. Escape Into We Are Blood

    11/14/2025

    Escape Into We Are Blood

    Join us as we escape into We Are Blood! In this episode, we explore why purpose-driven work deserves more respect, recognition, and investment. We discuss how teachers, social workers, and nonprofit professionals shape our communities and why their impact is often undervalued. We also sit down with Nick Canedo, Vice President of Community Engagement at We Are Blood, the nonprofit dedicated to saving lives in Central Texas! We Are Blood is dedicated to providing and protecting the community's blood supply, inspiring Central Texans to save lives locally, and treating everyone they serve as family. They collect, test, and distribute donated blood to more than 50 hospitals across 10 counties, ensuring patients in our community always have access to the lifesaving care they need. Ways We Are Blood makes an Impact: Saving Lives Locally – Ensuring patients in Central Texas have access to lifesaving blood every day. Engaging the Community – Inspiring and supporting thousands of local donors to give back regularly. Supporting Hospitals – Partnering with more than 50 medical facilities to maintain a reliable blood supply for patients in need. How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights: Donate Blood – Every donation can save multiple lives in your community. Whole blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors every 7 days. 👉https://weareblood.org/donate-blood/ Volunteer – Help at donation centers, transport lifesaving blood, or educate the community. 👉https://weareblood.org/help/volunteer/ Host a Blood Drive – Organize a drive with your company, school, church, or neighborhood to make a real difference in your community. 👉https://weareblood.org/ways-to-help/host/ How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    40 min
  7. Escape Into Special Olympics San Marcos Wolverines Soccer

    11/07/2025

    Escape Into Special Olympics San Marcos Wolverines Soccer

    Join us as we escape into Special Olympics San Marcos Wolverines! We're excited to welcome the the Special Olympics San Marcos Wolverines Soccer Team to the conversation! The Wolverines have been selected to represent Team Texas at the Special Olympics USA Games next year in Minnesota! For these athletes, this is more than a game. It's about growth, courage, teamwork, and the joy of pushing themselves to be their best. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, fellow athletes, and the community. Ways Special Olympics San Marcos Wolverines make an Impact: Empowering Athletes – Helping individuals develop skills, confidence, and courage through competitive sports. Building Teamwork and Friendship – Creating a supportive environment where athletes encourage and inspire one another. Fostering Inclusion and Community – Giving athletes with intellectual disabilities the chance to participate fully in sports and life, celebrated by their families and communities. How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights: Donate: Use the link below to help cover travel, lodging, meals, uniforms, and training gear.  👉 https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/6502775  How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    31 min
  8. Escape Into Mike & Sherry Project

    10/23/2025

    Escape Into Mike & Sherry Project

    Join us as we escape into Mike & Sherry Project!  We're excited to welcome  Sam Hellman-Mass, restaurant industry veteran, owner of East Austin favorite Suerte, and founder of Mike & Sherry Project, to the conversation!  Founded in 2019, the Mike & Sherry Project partners with Capital Area Counseling (CAC) to provide affordable, accessible mental health care for Austin's restaurant and bar industry. Through fundraising, the Project helps cover costs for workers facing financial barriers, offering income-based sliding scale appointments starting at $25. To date, over $124,000 has been raised, supporting more than 6,400 appointments. Ways Mike & Sherry Project make an Impact: Supporting Mental Health – Providing affordable, high-quality counseling to service industry employees. Building Community – Helping workers navigate the challenges of a high-stress industry with care and support. Financial Accessibility – Using fundraising to ensure mental health care is accessible regardless of income. How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights: Donate: Help ensure Austin's hospitality workers never face financial barriers to mental health care. 👉 https://www.mikeandsherryproject.com/donate/  Join the Project: If you work in the industry and need affordable therapy, reach out to mikeandsherry@cacaustin.org to learn more. How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    36 min
See All (44)

Trailer

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Studies show that people who contribute to something bigger than themselves are happier and live with fewer regrets. Join host Stephanie Dyer as she explores how to create meaningful impact in Austin, Texas, and the surrounding areas. Escape into a Cause hopes to inspire others to turn their good intentions into great impact by sharing stories of community, connecting people to local non-profits, and encouraging everyone to step up, unplug, and make a difference.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Dyer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Escape into a Cause