That's Just Good

Nick Marino Jr.
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Nick Marino Jr. jumps into the stories of individuals from around the globe that are making an impact in the lives and communities around them. That's Just Good takes you through a journey of their backstories to where they are now and shows why these are some of the most inspiring people around.

  1. Benjamin Vann: Fighting for Equity for Founders

    2D AGO

    Benjamin Vann: Fighting for Equity for Founders

    In this episode of That’s Just Good, we sit down with Benjamin Vann, a trailblazing entrepreneur, philanthropist, and systems builder who is challenging how capital flows and who it flows to. As the Founder and CEO of Impact Ventures, Benjamin is leading a movement to empower women and people of color to become successful entrepreneurs, create generational wealth, and drive long-term economic justice in communities that have historically been left behind. Benjamin brings a powerful blend of experience in finance, donor-advised funds, nonprofit fundraising, and global microfinance. Early in his career, he worked at Fidelity Charitable, helping manage the world’s largest donor-advised fund. He later supported women entrepreneurs in developing countries through micro-lending, but one thing kept standing out. Whether it was giving or receiving capital, the decision-makers and recipients rarely looked like him. That realization fueled his vision to build something different. In 2017, he launched Impact Ventures with the belief that genius is everywhere, but access to opportunity is not. Through inclusive accelerator programs, capital access, mentorship, and capacity-building, Impact Ventures has helped entrepreneurs scale their businesses while confronting barriers such as systemic racism, limited professional networks, and financial exclusion. Their approach includes evaluating "distance traveled," a concept that recognizes how lived experience can serve as an entrepreneurial advantage rather than a disadvantage. Benjamin opens up about how his journey as a Black nonprofit leader has shaped the way he approaches impact, trust-building, and resilience. He shares real examples of entrepreneurs who have not only survived the system but are now reshaping it with the support of Impact Ventures. Whether you're a business leader, an aspiring founder, or someone passionate about social innovation, this conversation will stretch your thinking about what it means to invest in people, unlock potential, and build new paths forward. If you’re ready to think differently about the future of entrepreneurship, tune in and be inspired.

    1h 1m
  2. Lauren Smith: Redefining Opportunity Through Inclusive Leadership

    FEB 4

    Lauren Smith: Redefining Opportunity Through Inclusive Leadership

    Lauren Smith is building more than cafés; she’s building a movement rooted in dignity, purpose, and belonging. As the Executive Director of Hugs Café, Lauren is leading the charge to create meaningful employment and training opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this episode, we talk about how she’s expanding the mission, opening new locations, and proving that inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing. Lauren’s story is a masterclass in what it means to lead with heart and strategy. We explore how she’s redefining opportunity for those often overlooked, how businesses can follow suit, and why smaller organizations can still make a massive impact. Whether you're in nonprofit leadership, CSR, or just looking for a dose of inspiration, this conversation will challenge and uplift you.

    32 min
  3. Dylan Rafaty: Building a More Inclusive Community

    JAN 21

    Dylan Rafaty: Building a More Inclusive Community

    In this episode of the That’s Just Good Podcast, I’m joined by Dylan Rafaty, the Founder and Executive Director of the North Texas Disability Chamber. Dylan is not just an advocate, he’s a systems-level changemaker working to elevate the voices of individuals with disabilities in business, policy, and community life. We talk about what true inclusion looks like beyond compliance, how companies can be better partners in accessibility, and the importance of shifting from tokenism to meaningful representation. Dylan shares the personal journey that led him to start the Chamber and how he’s building cross-sector collaboration to break down barriers and create economic opportunities for the disability community. This conversation is a must-listen for business leaders, nonprofit professionals, policymakers, and anyone who wants to be a part of a more inclusive and empowered North Texas.

    44 min
  4. How Donor-Advised Funds Build Purpose-Driven Businesses

    JAN 14

    How Donor-Advised Funds Build Purpose-Driven Businesses

    What if your company’s philanthropy wasn’t just generous, but strategic, scalable, and built to last? In this episode, we dive deep into the powerful but often overlooked tool of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), and why more businesses are using them to build long-term impact. If you’ve ever struggled with year-end donations, scattered sponsorships, or reactive giving, this is the strategy shift you’ve been waiting for. We’ll break down: > What a Donor-Advised Fund is (and what it’s not) > Why DAFs are ideal for businesses of any size > How they centralize your giving, engage employees, and strengthen community relationships > The difference between giving with intention vs. obligation > And we’ll wrap with a real-world story of how one company moved from checkbook charity to a community leader, proving that giving back can fuel both purpose and performance. If you’re ready to align your values with your business strategy, this episode will show you the path. Let’s stop reacting, and start building a legacy. Connect with the Center for Business Impact at Communities Foundation of Texas to start your DAF journey today.

    13 min
  5. From Transactional to Transformational: Impact Storytelling for Business

    12/17/2025

    From Transactional to Transformational: Impact Storytelling for Business

    In today’s business world, giving back is expected, but simply sharing the numbers is no longer enough. The brands that rise above are the ones that know how to tell their story. In this episode, we explore how businesses of any size can shift from transactional impact to transformational storytelling. You will learn how to turn your community work into meaningful narratives that capture hearts, build loyalty, and move people to action. We break down a clear, practical storytelling framework and share real-world examples from global brands like Warby Parker and Patagonia to small local businesses making a big impact. This is not about polished press releases; it is about authenticity, emotion, and intention. Whether you are leading CSR efforts, running a nonprofit, or building a purpose-driven company, this episode will help you connect your mission to your audience in a powerful way. If you want to make a difference and be remembered for it, this is where the work begins.

    13 min
  6. Corporate Social Responsibility Isn’t Charity — It’s Strategy

    12/11/2025

    Corporate Social Responsibility Isn’t Charity — It’s Strategy

    Corporate Social Responsibility isn’t a side project; it’s a powerful strategy for long-term impact and business success. In this episode, Nick breaks down why doing good is no longer optional for companies, how CSR drives purpose, profit, and people, and how every business, regardless of size, can create real change in the communities it serves.

    8 min
  7. Samuel Bistrian: Giving Poverty the Boot

    12/03/2025

    Samuel Bistrian: Giving Poverty the Boot

    From a small village in Communist Romania to launching a global social enterprise, Samuel Bistrian’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode of the That’s Just Good Podcast, host Nick Marino Jr. sits down with the founder of ROMA Boots to talk about how one pair of hand-me-down rain boots sparked a lifelong mission to “Give Poverty the Boot.” Samuel shares how his early experiences shaped his worldview, why a chance meeting with the founder of TOMS changed everything, and how he’s built a business model that merges fashion and philanthropy to serve children around the world. You'll hear powerful insights about resilience, faith, and the true meaning of purpose-driven leadership. This isn’t just a story about boots, it’s a story about what happens when we use what we’ve been through to change what others are going through.

    41 min
  8. Trina Roffino: Unbreaking the Cycle

    09/16/2025

    Trina Roffino: Unbreaking the Cycle

    In this episode of That’s Just Good Podcast, Nick sits down with Trina Roffino, CEO of The Marketing Arm and founder of Project Unbroken. Known for leading breakthrough creative work with brands like Pepsi, Wendy’s, and the U.S. Army, Trina shares a different kind of story; one rooted in community healing and purpose. After losing her husband to suicide, Trina launched Project Unbroken to support children who have lost a parent to suicide. The organization provides emotional, financial, and spiritual resources to help families heal and grow through their grief. From therapy and mentorship to keeping kids involved in extracurriculars, Project Unbroken is creating spaces where hope can take root. With Suicide Awareness Month and North Texas Giving Day approaching, Trina reflects on what she’s learned as a leader, a mother, and an advocate working to break generational cycles and remind families they are not alone.

    30 min
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About

Nick Marino Jr. jumps into the stories of individuals from around the globe that are making an impact in the lives and communities around them. That's Just Good takes you through a journey of their backstories to where they are now and shows why these are some of the most inspiring people around.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Marino Jr.
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 That's Just Good
  • Show Website
    That's Just Good