Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

Joan Garry
  • 4.6 (308)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

Hosted by Joan Garry, the “Dear Abby” of the nonprofit world, Nonprofits Are Messy is a discussion of the most pressing issues faced by nonprofit leadership. Joan and her guests tackle topics like the overhead myth, the best way to run special events, how to make a big fundraising ask, board-staff relations, and so much more. At times hilarious, uplifting, and frustrating, the stories told in this podcast should feel very familiar to anybody working in a nonprofit today. Topics include fundraising, leadership development, building a great board, Executive Director / Board relations, communications and messaging, staff management, nonprofit career advice, crisis management, digital marketing, social media, and so much more. Listen to real stories of nonprofit leaders like you and how they handled the mess. Because the truth is, nonprofits ARE messy. There’s not enough money, too many cooks, and an abundance of passion. Leading nonprofits isn’t easy. This podcast will help.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep. 228: Nonprofits Are Under Attack

    Nonprofits are under attack in 2025—from hostile federal policies, harmful public misconceptions, and risk-averse boards. Glennda Testone and I urge nonprofit leaders to push back, speak up, and lead with boldness and creativity. Despite the challenges, we spotlight moments of hope and courage from organizations stepping up to protect communities and sustain impact.

    43 min

  2. APR 26

    Ep 227: What Challenging Times Make Possible with Michael Hyatt

    What if challenging times are invitations to redefine what matters most? Michael Hyatt shares what helped him redefine success, and find a fulfilling way to live and lead.

    46 min

  3. APR 12

    Ep. 227: Nonprofits in the Chaos of 2025: What's At Stake And How to Respond

    The nonprofit sector is under attack. But, there’s hope. In this episode, Glennda Testone and I talk with Amol Sinha about the unique harms facing nonprofits and how we can all take action to protect our missions.

    50 min

  4. MAR 29

    Ep 225: The Secret to Sustainability: Taking Care of Yourself as You Lead

    Nonprofit leadership can be deeply meaningful—and deeply exhausting. In this powerful conversation, Glennda Testone and trauma specialist Mariam Habib explore what it takes to sustain yourself while serving others. From setting boundaries to building resilience, this episode is a roadmap for leading with purpose and preserving your well-being.

    49 min

  5. MAR 15

    Ep 224: Fighting Loneliness In Remote Work with Dr. Tracy Brower

    Work can be a source of joy and fulfillment—but only if we feel connected. In this episode, Dr. Tracy Brower unpacks why we’re feeling more isolated than ever—and what leaders can do to build workplaces where people actually feel like they belong.

    48 min

  6. MAR 1

    Ep 223: Activating Change: Fighting Ableism and Building Accessible Nonprofits

    Disability is not a niche issue—it’s a reality for 60 million Americans. Yet, systemic bias and stereotypes continue to exclude people with disabilities from conversations about inclusion. In this episode, Nancy Smith of Activating Change shares practical steps nonprofits can take to build truly accessible and equitable spaces.

    45 min

  7. FEB 15

    Ep. 222 - The Joys and Challenges of Leading A Small Nonprofit

    Three fearless nonprofit leaders share what drives them, how they navigate burnout, and the vision that keeps them going. Tomik Dash, Laura Carmichael, and Adrienne McCue are breaking barriers and sharing their stories that prove that small but mighty nonprofits are changing lives every day.

    1h 1m

  8. FEB 1

    Ep 221: Building Organizational Capacity For Rapid Response (with Deepa Iyer)

    From the Atlanta spa shootings to ongoing challenges, Deepa Iyer highlights the critical need for infrastructure, relationship-building, and centering the voices of affected communities in times of crisis.

    49 min
See All (19)

4.6
out of 5
308 Ratings

About

Hosted by Joan Garry, the “Dear Abby” of the nonprofit world, Nonprofits Are Messy is a discussion of the most pressing issues faced by nonprofit leadership. Joan and her guests tackle topics like the overhead myth, the best way to run special events, how to make a big fundraising ask, board-staff relations, and so much more. At times hilarious, uplifting, and frustrating, the stories told in this podcast should feel very familiar to anybody working in a nonprofit today. Topics include fundraising, leadership development, building a great board, Executive Director / Board relations, communications and messaging, staff management, nonprofit career advice, crisis management, digital marketing, social media, and so much more. Listen to real stories of nonprofit leaders like you and how they handled the mess. Because the truth is, nonprofits ARE messy. There’s not enough money, too many cooks, and an abundance of passion. Leading nonprofits isn’t easy. This podcast will help.

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada