Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed

Jarrett Ransom
  • 5.0 (7)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The conversational-style podcast focuses on interviews and discussions with nonprofit thought leaders for all levels of nonprofit engagement and interests. Our shows are relevant for everyone from Board Members and CEOs to program and fundraising staff. Join us for candid, actionable conversations with nonprofit change makers who aren’t just surviving but thriving. We’ll explore real-world strategies for effective governance, leadership transitions, and long-term sustainability. If you’re a nonprofit leader looking for fresh ideas, honest discussions, and practical solutions, Nonprofit Nerd: Impact Unleashed is your go-to podcast. Let’s lead with resilience and impact—together. We hope you enjoy!

  1. 12/26/2025

    Reflect, Recharge, and Lead Forward

    As the year comes to a close, host Jarrett Ransom pauses to reflect on another milestone for Nonprofit Nerd Impact Unleashed; 80 episodes and a season filled with insight, resilience, and heart.  In this special post-holiday episode, Jarrett acknowledges the exhaustion, complexity, and emotional weight many nonprofit leaders carry at year’s end, while offering encouragement, gratitude, and perspective. It’s a thoughtful reminder that investing in people, systems, and community is what sustains impact.  As we look ahead to 2026, this episode invites nonprofit professionals to breathe, celebrate their accomplishments, and move forward with kindness, patience, and hope. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang. Click here to learn more about Fundraising Academy at Nonprofit University. And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

    4 min
  2. Cash Flow, Budgets, and Financial Literacy with Deb Nelson

    12/19/2025

    Cash Flow, Budgets, and Financial Literacy with Deb Nelson

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom sits down with Deb Nelson, Tax Partner at Eide Bailly, to unpack the financial fundamentals every nonprofit leader needs to understand. With more than 20 years of experience serving the nonprofit sector, Deb shares practical insights on managing cash flow, building collaborative and realistic budgets, avoiding common financial pitfalls, and using timely financial data to support strategic decision-making.  The conversation also explores financial narratives, compliance essentials like the Form 990, and guidance tailored to smaller or newer nonprofits working with limited resources. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit executives, board members, and leaders seeking to strengthen financial sustainability while keeping mission front and center. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang. Click here to learn more about Fundraising Academy at Nonprofit University. And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

    24 min
  3. The Next Generation of Nonprofit Leadership with Jaclyn Pederson

    12/12/2025

    The Next Generation of Nonprofit Leadership with Jaclyn Pederson

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom sits down with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, to explore what values-centered leadership looks like in practice. Jaclyn shares her journey from volunteer coordinator to CEO, reflecting on stepping into executive leadership at a young age, leading through the uncertainty of the pandemic, and building an organizational culture grounded in trust, authenticity, and psychological safety. Together, they discuss servant and authentic leadership, generational shifts in nonprofit management, and how seasoned leaders can better support emerging talent. This conversation offers thoughtful insights for nonprofit professionals navigating leadership growth, culture-building, and sustainable impact in a rapidly changing sector. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang. Click here to learn more about Fundraising Academy at Nonprofit University. And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

    25 min
  4. Trauma-Informed Leadership with Dr. Melanie Gray

    12/05/2025

    Trauma-Informed Leadership with Dr. Melanie Gray

    In this powerful conversation, Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed host Jarrett Ransom sits down with Dr. Melanie Gray, leader, professor, and lifelong nonprofit advocate, to explore how trauma-informed leadership can transform today’s nonprofit workplaces.  Drawing from over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gray explains the realities of compassion fatigue, the growing pressures on nonprofit teams, and why leaders must prioritize empathy, emotional safety, and authentic connection.  She offers practical steps for supporting staff well-being, managing personal stressors, and reshaping organizational culture for future generations. A must-listen for any nonprofit leader committed to creating healthier, more compassionate workplaces. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang. Click here to learn more about Fundraising Academy at Nonprofit University. And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

    23 min
  5. Rethinking Money and Power with Christine Thompson

    11/28/2025

    Rethinking Money and Power with Christine Thompson

    In this thought-provoking episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom sits down with Christine Thompson for a candid conversation about the evolving dynamics between funders and nonprofits. Together, they unpack what it really means to share power, promote transparency, and move toward more trust-based and equitable funding models. Christine also shares insights from the CEO roundtable she facilitates — a space fostering collaboration over competition — and offers practical advice for leaders seeking stronger, more sustainable relationships with funders. Tune in for honest dialogue, actionable takeaways, and inspiration to transform how you approach philanthropy and leadership. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang. Click here to learn more about Fundraising Academy at Nonprofit University. And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

    38 min
  6. Elevating Donor Relationships with Eva Fordham

    11/21/2025

    Elevating Donor Relationships with Eva Fordham

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom sits down with Eva Fordham, founder and principal of Expert Philanthropy, to unpack the art and strategy of giving. Eva shares how she helps high-net-worth donors align their values with meaningful causes, and offers insight into what separates a good donor experience from a great one. From the motivations that drive modern philanthropists to the challenges of navigating today’s crowded nonprofit landscape, this conversation explores how authentic relationships, intentional communication, and family engagement can transform the way we approach philanthropy. Plus, Eva reveals key trends shaping charitable giving in Los Angeles from donor-advised funds to the evolving role of wealth advisors. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang. Click here to learn more about Fundraising Academy at Nonprofit University. And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

    27 min
  7. Unleashing the Power of Purpose with Erik Speakman

    11/14/2025

    Unleashing the Power of Purpose with Erik Speakman

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom sits down with Erik Speakman, founder and principal of Speakman Management Consulting, for an insightful conversation about what it truly takes to lead with purpose in today’s complex nonprofit environment. Drawing on decades of experience guiding organizations through growth and transition, Erik shares practical strategies for strengthening leadership teams, navigating organizational change, and fostering cultures of accountability and trust. Together, Jarrett and Erik unpack the balance between mission and management, how to sustain impact without losing heart, and explore the mindset shifts that help leaders move from burnout to breakthrough. From engaging boards and developing future-ready strategies to building resilient, sustainable organizations, this episode offers clear takeaways and real-world wisdom for nonprofit professionals at every stage of their journey. Tune in to learn how to unleash your inner nonprofit nerd and harness the collective power of leadership to create lasting change in your community. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang. Click here to learn more about Fundraising Academy at Nonprofit University. And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

    27 min
  8. Beyond Clicks and Campaigns with Javan Van Gronigen

    11/07/2025

    Beyond Clicks and Campaigns with Javan Van Gronigen

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom welcomes Javan Van Gronigen, creative agency founder and digital strategist, for an insightful conversation on the future of nonprofit fundraising. Together, they explore how AI, automation, and data are reshaping donor engagement—and how to balance cutting-edge technology with genuine human connection. Javan shares lessons from his journey founding 50 and 50, a creative agency serving social causes, and developing tech tools like Donately to help nonprofits do more with less. The discussion dives into practical ways to create holistic digital strategies, stop repeating last year’s playbook, and sustain long-term donor relationships through storytelling, personalization, and purpose-driven design. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your digital campaigns smarter and more human, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you raise more, engage deeper, and lead smarter. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang. Click here to learn more about Fundraising Academy at Nonprofit University. And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

    26 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The conversational-style podcast focuses on interviews and discussions with nonprofit thought leaders for all levels of nonprofit engagement and interests. Our shows are relevant for everyone from Board Members and CEOs to program and fundraising staff. Join us for candid, actionable conversations with nonprofit change makers who aren’t just surviving but thriving. We’ll explore real-world strategies for effective governance, leadership transitions, and long-term sustainability. If you’re a nonprofit leader looking for fresh ideas, honest discussions, and practical solutions, Nonprofit Nerd: Impact Unleashed is your go-to podcast. Let’s lead with resilience and impact—together. We hope you enjoy!

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