First You Talk

Central Florida Foundation

The First You Talk podcast is about taking complex problems that affect Central Floridians and guiding listeners to understand the issue in a digestible way and come out of each episode being better informed, experiencing an increase in empathy toward others, and the ability to discuss these difficult problems in a thoughtful way.Ready to up your knowledge game? Let's get started. Produced by Central Florida Foundation.

  1. FEB 13

    Episode 24: Maternal Health Disparities

    Send a text This episode explores maternal health disparities, highlighting the challenges local women face and the opportunities for meaningful change. Hear from Jennie Joseph, midwife and founder of Commonsense Childbirth, and Kim Nguyen Gray, Chair of 100 Women Strong. Kim shares how 100 Women Strong arrived at its 2026 grantee decision of investing in maternal health through Commonsense Childbirth. Visit the First You Talk website. Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram. As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

    51 min

  2. JAN 21

    Episode 23: Trends in Philanthropy for 2026

    Send us a text Mark and Laurie talk through three charitable giving trends they expect to see in 2026. Plus, Mark breaks down the generations and their typical giving behavior. You'll hear from: Mark Brewer, President/CEO, Central Florida Foundation Laurie Crocker, VP of Strategic Communications, Central Florida Foundation Mentioned in episode: 100 Women Strong giving circleMagical Dining Press ReleaseAddition Financial Press ReleaseA deeper dive into collective giving data and trendsPhilanosVisit the First You Talk website. Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram. As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

    42 min

  3. 12/30/2025

    Episode 22: An Update on the Housing Crisis

    Send us a text This episode of First You Talk re-examines housing from new angles: landlord engagement, private sector affordable housing development, and updates on housing trends and data. Guests: Mark Brewer, President/CEO | Central Florida FoundationSandi Vidal, VP of Community Strategies and Initiatives | Central Florida FoundationNiki Wilkerson, Co-Founder | Connections Ministry Nikhai's ClosetRyan von Weller, COO | Wendover Housing PartnersBrian Postlewait, COO | Homeless Services NetworkAnna Ashie, Director of Housing Operations | Homeless Services NetworkVisit the First You Talk website. Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram. As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

    1h 35m

  4. SEASON 3 TRAILER

    We're back for Season 3!

    Send us a text Season 3 of Central Florida Foundation's First You Talk podcast is back on January 7th! Visit the First You Talk website. Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram. As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

    1 min

  5. 11/11/2025

    Trust and Transparency: What happened with GoFundMe's nonprofit pages?

    Send us a text This episode of First You Talk wasn't on our schedule of episodes...but after GoFundMe published nonprofit pages in October without the knowledge or consent of millions of organizations, we had to talk about it and its impact on trust and transparency in the nonprofit world. Laurie discusses discovering Central Florida Foundation's nonprofit page and CFF's subsequent actions, then Steve (a newcomer to our team!) and Sandi talk about the implications. Guests: Sandi Vidal, CFF's Vice President of Community Strategies and InitiativesSteven J. Jerina, CFF's Vice President of Philanthropic Strategies and PartnershipsVisit the First You Talk website. Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram. As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

    32 min
  6. 20. Understanding Endowment Funds

    10/13/2025

    20. Understanding Endowment Funds

    Send us a text In this episode of First You Talk: Navigating Generosity, we explore the endowment fund - how it works, considerations, and best practices. How does an endowment work? Is it really meant to last “forever”? What happens if the nonprofit selected for an endowment closes? What are best practices that can make the most of an endowed fund? Two philanthropic advisors dive into these questions and more! You'll hear from: Mark Brewer, CAP® | President/CEO, Central Florida FoundationDavid Torre, J.D., CEPA®, CFP®, AEP®, TEP®, CAP® | Wealth and Philanthropic StrategistVisit the First You Talk website. Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram. As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

    32 min
  7. 19. Inside the LGBTQ+ Experience in Central Florida

    07/31/2025

    19. Inside the LGBTQ+ Experience in Central Florida

    Send us a text LGBTQ+ is an acronym we all recognize—but how much do we really understand about the people, the history, and the evolving community it represents here in Central Florida? In this episode, we explore the LGBTQ+ landscape through stories of personal resilience, community impact, and forward-looking change. From the legacy of the Pulse tragedy to new models of care and what it means to be an ally, you’ll hear from voices shaping the region today. Whether you’re part of the community or simply want to better understand your neighbors, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a fresh perspective on a vital part of Central Florida’s story. Guests: Tom Dyer, WatermarkGeorge Wallace, The CenterYasmin Flasterstein, Peer Support SpaceFrom CFF: Sandi Vidal, VP of Community Strategies and InitiativesNeil Rios Laverde, Philanthropic Relationship ManagerVisit the First You Talk website. Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram. As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

    1h 9m
  8. 18. Navigating Generosity: Charitable Gift Annuities

    06/13/2025

    18. Navigating Generosity: Charitable Gift Annuities

    Send a text In this episode of Navigating Generosity, Nicole Donelson sits down with David Torre to explore how charitable gift annuities (CGAs) can enhance the value you bring to client conversations. From retirement income strategies to charitable tax deductions, CGAs offer a unique way to align financial planning with philanthropic goals. You’ll walk away with practical talking points, planning considerations, and a better understanding of how the Central Florida Foundation can serve as a trusted partner—not just for executing CGAs, but as an extension of your advisory team in philanthropic planning. 🎧 Whether you’re guiding clients through retirement or legacy decisions, this episode will equip you with the tools to introduce CGAs with confidence. Guests: David Torre, CEPA®, CFP®, AEP®, TEP®, CAP® | Wealth & Philanthropy StrategistNicole Donelson, CAP® | Director of Community Engagement, AdventHealthNavigating Generosity is an off-shoot of First You Talk, Central Florida Foundation's podcast focused on breaking down complex social issues. Navigating Generosity episodes are designed for professional advisors and anyone who wants to be better informed when discussing charitable giving with their advisors. Our hosts include Chartered Advisors in Philanthropy® and other professionals in this field, including wealth and financial advisors. Visit the First You Talk website. Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram. As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

    35 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The First You Talk podcast is about taking complex problems that affect Central Floridians and guiding listeners to understand the issue in a digestible way and come out of each episode being better informed, experiencing an increase in empathy toward others, and the ability to discuss these difficult problems in a thoughtful way.Ready to up your knowledge game? Let's get started. Produced by Central Florida Foundation.

Information

  • Creator
    Central Florida Foundation
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Central Florida Foundation
  • Show Website
    First You Talk