find your cause

Joseph Smalzer
  • 5.0 (9)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

"find your cause" is the official podcast of Greater Than Zero Percent (GTZP). GTZP is 501(c)(3) non-profit on a mission to find people and organizations that are changing the world and sharing their stories. We believe that however big or small of a positive impact you have, every bit counts. As long as you are adding greater than zero percent, the momentum you build is already changing the world.

  1. There's a Crime Scene In Her Block. She Stayed. | LaTanya Johnson & the Youth of Englewood

    4D AGO

    There's a Crime Scene In Her Block. She Stayed. | LaTanya Johnson & the Youth of Englewood

    A shooting happened right next door to her youth center. She closed for one day. Then she opened back up on Monday. LaTanya Johnson is the Executive Director of LaTanya and the Youth of Englewood, a 501(c)3 that has been serving children ages five and up in Inglewood, Chicago since 2013. Recreational activities, educational programming, mentorship, entrepreneurship, community events, and family support. All of it, completely free. In this community check-in episode, Joseph and LaTanya go deep into what has changed since they last spoke. She talks about the shooting that happened right outside her door, why she sent the kids home that Friday and came right back Monday, and the invisible calculus families in Englewood make every day just to survive in their own neighborhood. She shares what 12 years of free programming has actually produced, which activities changed the trajectory of real kids' lives, and what she needs most right now to keep going. TIMESTAMPS: [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:39] LaTanya's background and organization mission [00:02:06] Why she started 12 years ago [00:03:31] The alderman's office and how it all began [00:05:55] Why she starts programming at age five [00:07:25] Joseph's time at Chicago juvenile detention [00:08:58] What activities created the most lasting impact [00:12:10] Gardening, go-karts, photography, and building [00:13:13] Phones, safety, and keeping kids engaged [00:14:18] The shooting next door [00:16:16] The battle parents face living in Englewood [00:17:41] Poverty, cost of living, and why families stay [00:19:50] What LaTanya wants to build next [00:22:27] Sports, arts, and why variety matters [00:23:09] How to connect with LaTanya [00:24:50] Closing Connect with LaTanya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latanya-johnson-7a202a154/ Social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greaterthanzeropercent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greaterthanzeropercent/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greaterthanzeropercent Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greaterthanzeropercent/ Listen Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZeAnlQdjwKX5JodvYFwp2 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/find-your-cause/id1528910691 Connect Website: https://www.gtzp.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gtzp Partner with us: https://calendly.com/gtzp/gtzp-impact-alignment #FindYourCause #Nonprofits #Chicago #Inglewood #YouthDevelopment #CommunityImpact #501c3 #SocialImpact #GTZP #NonprofitLeadership #GreaterThanZeroPercent #CorporatePhilanthropy

    25 min
  2. She Quit to Give Kids With Disabilities a Team | Open Door Sports

    MAR 17

    She Quit to Give Kids With Disabilities a Team | Open Door Sports

    Sarah Albus was a college soccer player at Vanderbilt, a mom of four, and completely done with her first career when her daughter Hannah, born at 25 weeks with cerebral palsy and visual impairment, asked where her skis were. That question changed everything. In this episode, Sarah shares how she launched Open Door Sports in 2017 with no nonprofit experience, how six schools said yes before she had the staff to serve them, and why the most powerful outcome of her work wasn't the sports at all. Chapters: [00:00:00] Teaser [00:00:33] Welcome and Introduction [00:00:56] What is Open Door Sports? [00:01:23] Sarah's Personal Journey: Hannah's Story [00:03:04] The Gap in After-School Programming [00:09:28] First Programs: Soccer, Basketball, and Bocce [00:13:23] Unexpected Benefits: Community and Friendship [00:18:21] What Fuels Engagement: Stories Over Data [00:22:16] Open Door Sports and Special Olympics [00:24:44] The Future of ODS [00:27:22] How to Get Involved Connect with Open Door Sports: https://opendoorsports.org/ https://www.instagram.com/opendoorsports/ https://www.facebook.com/OpenDoorTeam/ Connect with Us Website: gtzp.org Sponsor inquiry: https://calendly.com/gtzp/gtzp-impact-alignment/ Listen Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZeAnlQdjwKX5JodvYFwp2 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/find-your-cause/id1528910691 Follow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gtzp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greaterthanzeropercent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greaterthanzeropercent/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greaterthanzeropercent Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greaterthanzeropercent/ #FindYourCause #GreaterThanZeroPercent #Nonprofit #DisabilityInclusion #AdaptiveSports #OpenDoorSports #SocialImpact #Inclusion #SpecialNeeds #PodcastForGood

    30 min
  3. This Law Hates Gay People | EP. 188

    FEB 24

    This Law Hates Gay People | EP. 188

    Is the Philippines actually "Gay Friendly," or is that just a myth? In this episode, Eljay Bernardo, Executive Director of Rainbow Rights Philippines, reveals the shocking legal reality for the LGBTQ+ community. From "gayness" being used as a legal ground to lose your property in annulment cases to archaic vagrancy laws used by police to target gay men, we pull back the curtain on why "being friendly" is no longer enough. We discuss the 26-year battle for an anti-discrimination bill, the economic cost of exclusion, and how legal "first aid" is saving lives on the ground. Timestamps02:55 How are archaic laws used to villainize gay people?04:35 Can being homosexual cost you your property?10:28 How a 2005 police crackdown sparked a 20-year movement.16:21 Are police attitudes actually changing?21:59 The economic cost of ignoring marriage equality.26:04 Why "being friendly" is not enough. Connect with Rainbow Rights PhilippinesWebsite: https://rrightsphl.orgInstagram/Facebook/X: @RRightsPHL Support Find Your CauseWebsite: https://www.gtzp.orgBook an Intro Call: https://calendly.com/gtzp/intro-meetingRefer a Nonprofit: https://form.jotform.com/gtzp/nonprofit-referral

    28 min
  4. E187: I Was 6’1” at 12… Here’s How It Shaped My Leadership

    FEB 12

    E187: I Was 6’1” at 12… Here’s How It Shaped My Leadership

    How does basketball shape confidence, identity, and leadership in young women around the world? In this episode of Find Your Cause, Joseph speaks with Angela R. Lewis, founder of Angela Lewis Basketball, about using sport as a platform to build confidence, character, and courage on and off the court. Angela shares lessons from her journey as a Division I athlete, coach, author, and global youth mentor — and why the court is more than a place to play. It’s a place to become. ⸻ Timestamps: 01:12 — How Can Basketball Help Young Women Embrace Who They Are? 08:18 — What Does It Really Take to “Get Out of the Valley”? 11:22 — Can Sports Expand Your Empathy and Worldview? 24:36 — How Do You Discover the Gifts You’re Meant to Share? 27:11 — What Does It Mean to Be Truly Unstoppable? ⸻ Connect with Angela Lewis Website: https://angelarlewis.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis Instagram: @AngelaLewisBasketball ⸻ Want to Get Involved? Interested in being featured on Find Your Cause? Book a short intro call here: https://calendly.com/gtzp/intro-meeting Know an NGO doing impactful work? Refer them here: https://form.jotform.com/252598727309167 Explore more episodes and learn more about Greater Than Zero Percent: https://www.gtzp.org

    29 min
  5. E186: 2025 in Review: Voices That Shaped the Year

    JAN 8

    E186: 2025 in Review: Voices That Shaped the Year

    As we step into a new year, we’re taking a moment to look back at some of the most meaningful conversations from 2025. This New Year reflection episode revisits standout moments from Find Your Cause, highlighting voices that challenged narratives, strengthened communities, and grounded hope in evidence, culture, and human connection. From rehumanizing youth through hip hop and building economic pathways to prevent exploitation, to redefining resilience after trauma and pushing back against fear driven health misinformation, these conversations continue to offer insight as we move forward. Timestamps 00:13 - E180: Marlon Richardson on rehumanizing Black and Brown young people through hip hop arts education 00:50 - E181: Dr. Kisha Roberts Tabb on economic intelligence, transferable skills, and prevention pathways 02:57 - E182: Khafre Jay on Flow Lounge, hip hop community, and creating spaces for vulnerability and healing 05:15 - E183: John Gardner on using music to build respect across cultures and cultural understanding 06:03 - E184: Diana M. Canant on resilience as becoming better than bouncing back after trauma 07:16 - E185: Spencer Lalk on evidence based health information and empowering qualified medical voices

    8 min
  6. E185: Can Doctors Outshine Health Influencers

    12/14/2025

    E185: Can Doctors Outshine Health Influencers

    In this episode of Find Your Cause, Joseph talks with Dr Spencer Lalk, founder of Med Story Studio, about how evidence based medical stories can compete with fear based health influencers. Spencer shares the story of his mom’s cardiology scare, why she left a long awaited visit more confused than before, and how that moment led him to create clearer, more human health education. They dig into rushed appointments, insurance pressure, lawsuits, and why so many people now look to influencers before clinicians. You will hear how Med Story Studio helps doctors become trusted storytellers, where AI fits in, and how patients and clinicians can both share better health stories online. Chapters 00:01:19 | What problem is Med Story Studio trying to solve 00:01:43 | How did Spencer’s mom’s health scare lead to Med Story Studio 00:05:10 | Why do patients leave appointments confused and afraid 00:06:13 | How do the system and insurance limit what doctors can do 00:11:16 | Why do US health and happiness outcomes lag other countries 00:12:18 | What could a better health care model look like 00:15:52 | How is AI changing doctor visits and patient prep 00:19:30 | How did Med Story Studio actually get started 00:20:43 | How does Med Story help doctors become storytellers 00:21:26 | Why do human stories matter in a digital health care world 00:22:02 | Why is recording doctor visits so complicated 00:23:18 | If Spencer could redesign health care, what would he change first 00:24:56 | Where is Med Story Studio going next 00:27:18 | What does evidence based medicine really mean 00:28:23 | How can we tell if a health influencer is dangerous 00:32:08 | How can patients vet health information for themselves 00:33:25 | How can clinicians get involved with Med Story Studio 00:34:05 | What is Spencer’s invitation to patients and doctors MedStory Media links: Website: https://medstorymedia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-lalk-dpt-/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/medstory-podcast/id1804185340 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalkhealth/?hl=en Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19UwCxHTbUtH7POBm0HM9L YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MedStoryMedia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567995375537# Visit gtzp.org for more info.

    35 min
  7. E184: How LifeSpheres Helps People Heal Through Presence, Not Advice

    12/08/2025

    E184: How LifeSpheres Helps People Heal Through Presence, Not Advice

    In this episode, Diana M. Canant, Executive Director of LifeSpheres, shares how people heal through presence, guided dialogue, and community support rather than advice or isolation. She explains the Peer Community Co Care Program, a process that helps individuals resolve trauma safely, rebuild resilience, and support one another through structured, one-on-one sessions. Diana breaks down the psychobiology of trauma, why presence is more powerful than advice, and how healing becomes possible when people feel seen and understood. Her insights offer a new way to think about trauma and the importance of not facing it alone. Timestamps: 00:02:22 | What does resilience really mean 00:05:41 | What kinds of trauma do communities experience 00:06:17 | Introduction of the Peer Community Co Care Program 00:07:23 | Why Diana focuses on young people and the elderly 00:09:46 | How the program teaches presence and listening 00:13:14 | Orientation, commitment, and how the program begins 00:16:18 | How individual plans are created 00:18:46 | How healing sessions work 00:21:23 | How participants complete the program 00:23:27 | What makes Life Spheres’ method effective 00:28:43 | What trauma informed practice really means 00:30:46 | How exposure therapy should and should not be done 00:35:22 | Why healing should not be done alone 00:40:48 | The future of Life Spheres and scaling impact 00:48:39 | Where to find Life Spheres 00:51:10 | Closing remarks Relevant links from LifeSphere: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifespheres/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turningthetideoftrauma/ Website: https://www.lifespheres.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurningTheTideOfTrauma/

    52 min
  8. E183: How the World Music Foundation Uses Music to End Racism

    12/01/2025

    E183: How the World Music Foundation Uses Music to End Racism

    What if music could break down racism? John Gardner, Executive Director of the World Music Foundation, has dedicated his life to proving that it can. In this episode, John shares how music creates real human connection across cultures, dissolves prejudice, and opens doors to understanding that conversations alone often cannot. From global touring to community work in Chicago, his mission is simple and powerful: use music to build respect across cultures. You’ll hear personal stories, community impact, and the practical ways the Foundation is changing lives one performance at a time. Full Episode Highlights 01:20 - How lack of exposure fuels prejudice and why the Foundation tackles it 02:00 - John’s lived experience with racism and how it shaped his cause 06:00 - Creating a multicultural performance space in Chicago 07:20 - Why music is the most powerful connector across cultures 08:10 - The India story the moment music overcame language and culture barriers 11:06 - Founding the nonprofit after witnessing real unity through music 15:00 - The Foundation’s measurable impact increasing empathy and reducing intolerance 18:40 - From global touring to deep local community work in Edgewater 19:30 - Designing events that intentionally foster cross cultural respect 21:20 - Everyday cultural exchange Joseph’s Uber playlist 22:10 - Future plans monthly concerts, community singing, cultural holidays 23:10 - Food as the next bridge the Foundation’s pop up restaurants and hot sauce 23:50 - How to attend free events, join the newsletter, and support the mission 24:50 - Why finding a cause matters for purpose, community, and mental health 26:00 - How anyone can participate talk to people at live events and build human connection LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgardner-wmf Website: https://theworldmusicfoundation.org/ Podcast: https://wmfpodcast.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWorldMusicFoundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworldmusicfoundation Find Your Cause. Greater Than Zero Percent. Listen, learn, and take one small step toward a more connected world. Visit https://www.gtzp.org/ for more info.

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

"find your cause" is the official podcast of Greater Than Zero Percent (GTZP). GTZP is 501(c)(3) non-profit on a mission to find people and organizations that are changing the world and sharing their stories. We believe that however big or small of a positive impact you have, every bit counts. As long as you are adding greater than zero percent, the momentum you build is already changing the world.

Information

  • Creator
    Joseph Smalzer
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    190
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Joseph Smalzer
  • Show Website
    find your cause