Escape into a Cause

Stephanie Dyer

Studies show that people who contribute to something bigger than themselves are happier and live with fewer regrets. Join host Stephanie Dyer as she explores how to create meaningful impact in Austin, Texas, and the surrounding areas. Escape into a Cause hopes to inspire others to turn their good intentions into great impact by sharing stories of community, connecting people to local non-profits, and encouraging everyone to step up, unplug, and make a difference.

  1. Escape Into Tango Charities

    -3 ДН.

    Escape Into Tango Charities

    We're excited to welcome Will Mattingly, the Austin, TX (Zilker) leader for Tango Charities, to the conversation! 🎙️ Tango Charities is a hunger-focused nonprofit that works to feed, educate, and empower communities through healthy and nutritious food initiatives. Since officially becoming a nonprofit in 2020, the organization has continued to expand its impact, helping provide more than 7 million meals to partner organizations across the globe after more than a decade of hunger relief efforts. Before we escape into Tango Charities, Steph and Courtney dive into what it really means to show up for nonprofits. What if giving back felt less like a responsibility and more like something people genuinely wanted to be part of? Ways Tango Charities makes an Impact: Fighting Hunger Through Feed The City – Bringing communities together through volunteer meal-packing events that provide millions of meals to families, seniors, veterans, and children facing hunger. Building Community Through Service – Hosting events across dozens of cities that make giving back accessible, engaging, and community-driven. Empowering Long-Term Change – Focusing not just on feeding people today, but on educating and empowering communities for the future. How to Get Involved & Earn Some 'Bragging Rights': ✨ Volunteer at a Feed The City event
  👉 https://www.tangocharities.org/feed-the-city  ✨Be part of Tango Charities' Guinness World Record attempt for the longest line of sandwiches on June 13, 2026 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tango-charities-guinness-world-record-event-longest-line-of-sandwiches-tickets-1986456337379 ✨Join Feed The Country on September 19, 2026, a nationwide day of service bringing together 100+ communities 👉  https://www.tangocharities.org/country ✨ Donate — every $1 provides 4 meals to someone facing hunger
  👉 https://www.tangocharities.org/donate  Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible and your donation to WSP. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    56 мин.
  2. Escape Into Breakthrough T1D

    16 АПР.

    Escape Into Breakthrough T1D

    We're excited to welcome Jenna Medford, Chapter Director of the Greater Austin Chapter at Breakthrough T1D, to the conversation! 🎙️ Founded in 1970, Breakthrough T1D was started by families who refused to accept a type 1 diabetes diagnosis as the end of the story. Today, it has grown into a global movement focused on funding research, advocating for policy change, and connecting communities to better resources and care. By bringing together scientists, lawmakers, and families, they're turning research into real progress and showing up for people living with T1D every day. While the long-term goal is a cure, the work happening now is already changing what life with T1D can look like. Before we escape into Breakthrough T1D, Steph and Courtney dive into how AI is changing everything and what it could mean for the future of nonprofits. What if it actually helps organizations do more good and reach more people than ever before? Ways Breakthrough T1D makes an Impact: Advancing Life-Changing Research – Funding innovative work to cure, prevent, and better treat type 1 diabetes and its complications. Driving Policy & Access to Care – Advocating alongside elected officials to improve access to treatments and support for the T1D community. Building Stronger Communities – Connecting and supporting individuals and families navigating life with T1D, from diagnosis and beyond. How to Get Involved & Earn Some 'Bragging Rights': 💙 Donate — Become a monthly donor to help fund research year-round and move us closer to curing, preventing, and better treating T1D. 👉  https://www.breakthrought1d.org/ways-to-give/monthly-giving/ 🙋 Volunteer — Support local events like OneParty and OneClassic, or get involved with the Austin community. 🌟 Upcoming Events: Join Breakthrough T1D Austin OneParty on Saturday, April 18, 2026, or the OneClassic golf tournament on April 16, 2026 at Falconhead Golf Club. 👉 https://www.breakthrought1d.org/greateraustintx/events/breakthrough-t1d-austin-oneparty-2026/ Take part in the Breakthrough T1D Walk on November 8, 2026 at PopStroke (13000 Harris Ridge Blvd, Austin, TX). 👉 https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10726&pg=informational&type=fr_informational&sid=2452 Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible and your donation to WSP. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    59 мин.
  3. Escape Into Women's Storybook Project

    19 МАР.

    Escape Into Women's Storybook Project

    Connection between a mother and child does not have to be lost, even from a distance. We're excited to welcome Jill Gonzalez, Executive Director at Women's Storybook Project, to the conversation 🎙️ Women's Storybook Project helps incarcerated mothers stay connected with their children by recording stories and messages of love and sending them alongside books. These recordings allow children to hear their mother's voice, bringing comfort and reminding them they are loved and not forgotten. Through this program, mothers participate monthly to choose and record books for their children, creating meaningful moments of connection that last far beyond the recording. Before we escape into WSP, Steph and Courtney dive into taxes and giving. There are several tax law changes for 2026 you should know about when thinking about tracking your donations.   Ways Women's Storybook Project makes an Impact: Strengthening Family Bonds – Helping children hear their mother's voice and maintain connection despite distance. Providing Comfort Through Storytelling – Sending books and recordings that bring reassurance, love, and emotional support. Creating Meaningful Opportunities for Mothers – Giving moms a way to show up for their children with intention, care, and love. How to Get Involved & Earn Some 'Bragging Rights': Donate – A small gift can help provide books, recordings, and resources that keep families connected. 👉 https://storybookproject.org/donate-now/ Volunteer – From prison visits to event support, volunteers play a vital role in making this program possible 👉 https://storybookproject.org/volunteer/   Attend an event – Austin Fundraising Luncheon: Thursday, April 24 at the Austin Country Club San Antonio Fundraising Luncheon: Thursday, May 22 at the Witte Museum 👉 https://storybookproject.org/luncheon/   Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible and your donation to WSP. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    40 мин.
  4. Escape Into Austin Community Foundation

    20 ФЕВР.

    Escape Into Austin Community Foundation

    The next 25 years are going to change the way we give. Are nonprofits ready for women and younger generations who care more about causes than organizations? We're excited to welcome Meagan Anderson Longley, Chief Impact Officer at Austin Community Foundation, to the conversation! 🎙️ Often described as a charitable bank, Austin Community Foundation partners with individuals, families, and businesses across Central Texas to connect them with the causes they care about most. Guided by research and community insights, ACF helps address both urgent needs and long-term challenges, making sure every gift creates lasting impact. Ways Austin Community Foundation makes an Impact: Expanding Housing Opportunities – Investing in the protection, preservation, and production of affordable housing for a thriving Central Texas. Supporting Nonprofits – Providing grants and resources to organizations tackling the most critical and evolving community needs. Strategic Philanthropy – Partnering with individuals, families, and businesses to create customized giving strategies that maximize impact across generations. How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights: Become a Fundholder - Partner with Austin Community Foundation to create a customized giving strategy that aligns with your passions and priorities while building long term impact for Central Texas. 👉 https://www.austincf.org/give/ways-to-give/  Volunteer - Support Central Texas from home by reviewing scholarship applications that help students reach college and career goals or by reviewing grant applications that address urgent and systemic needs. 👉 https://www.austincf.org/give/volunteer/  Attend Austin in Common - Join Austin Community Foundation on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM for an evening of connection, celebration, and investment in the future of Austin. 👉 https://www.austincf.org/austin-in-common/ How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    54 мин.
  5. Escape Into Pop-Up Birthday

    23 ЯНВ.

    Escape Into Pop-Up Birthday

    Happy New Year! Do you have any goals for 2026 to connect and give back more? If not, we share some tips. Then we sit down with Marcus Cantu, Executive Director at Pop-Up Birthday to talk about why celebration matters, how birthdays can create a sense of belonging for children in CPS care, and how small, intentional moments can make a lasting impact. Pop-Up Birthday provides personalized birthday party boxes to children in foster care, ensuring every child they serve is recognized and celebrated on their special day. Each box includes everything needed to create a fun and meaningful birthday experience. Ways Pop-Up Birthday makes an Impact: Creating Joyful Memories – Personalized birthday boxes bring celebration and happiness to children in foster care. Providing Essential Supplies – Each box includes party supplies and gifts, ensuring no child misses out on the fun. Building Community Support – Partnering with volunteers and organizations to make every birthday special. How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights: Donate – Help keep birthday celebrations going for children connected to foster care by supporting personalized birthday boxes.👉 https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/EFq2dF90eToF6v7eprAMfg Become a Birthday Buddy – Shop for a specific child's birthday through a personalized registry and help make their birthday wishes come true. Gifts are wrapped and finalized by the Pop Up Birthday team. 👉 https://popupbirthday.org/shop/ Volunteer – Support the mission through individual, group, or corporate volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are the engine behind every celebration.👉 https://popupbirthday.org/volunteer/ Attend the Boot Scootin' Birthday Bash – Join Pop Up Birthday for their annual fundraiser on Friday, February 20 at 6:30 PM at the Etter Harbin Alumni Center. Enjoy western-inspired food, live country music, line dancing, and a mechanical bull while helping fund birthday celebrations for children throughout the year. 👉 https://hellofund.io/app/public/bidapp/popupbirthday  How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    53 мин.
  6. Escape Into Ronald McDonald House of Central Texas

    18.12.2025

    Escape Into Ronald McDonald House of Central Texas

    Join us as we escape into the Ronald McDonald House of Central Texas! In this episode, we explore why people are skeptical of large donations and the wealthy individuals behind them. We discuss the role of influence, tax write-offs, and "strings attached" gifts, and why nonprofits often earn more trust than big donors. We also sat down with Kristin Coulter, Chief Operating Officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas! The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas (RMHC CTX) is to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children and families. The Ronald McDonald House provides a "home away from home" for families with seriously ill children, offering free lodging, meals, and a supportive community near hospitals, reducing stress so parents can focus on their child's care and healing. They offer essential comforts like kitchens, laundry, play areas, and support services (meals, education for siblings) to keep families together during difficult medical treatments. Ways the Ronald McDonald House makes an Impact: Providing a Home Away from Home – Offering families lodging, meals, and essential comforts while their child receives care. Supporting Families Through Community and Care – Creating spaces where families can find emotional support, connect with others, and focus on healing together. Reducing Stress and Promoting Wellbeing – Providing resources like sibling education, play areas, and daily essentials so parents can fully focus on their child's health. How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights: Donate – Join the Family Support Club starting at $10/month or give a one-time gift to help families feel at home. 👉 https://www.rmhc-ctx.org/online-fundraiser?form=donate  Volunteer – Whether it's a one-time project or a recurring role, your time creates a lasting impact and truly makes the House a Home. Group volunteering is also welcome!👉 https://www.rmhc-ctx.org/volunteer  Shop their Amazon Wishlist – Help families focus on what matters most by sending high-priority essentials directly to the House. 👉 https://www.rmhc-ctx.org/wish-list How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    52 мин.
  7. Escape Into Family Eldercare

    11.12.2025

    Escape Into Family Eldercare

    Join us as we escape into Family Eldercare! We're excited to welcome Dr. Aaron Alarcon, Chief Executive Officer at Family Eldercare, to the conversation!   In this episode, we dive into the power of community and why collective care matters more than ever. We discuss how investing in the people around us builds connection, trust, and a sense of belonging that gives back when it matters most. Family Eldercare is a non-profit serving Central Texas that helps older adults and adults with disabilities live independently by providing housing, supportive services like meal prep, transportation, and case management, financial advocacy, and programs promoting mental and physical wellness. Their mission is to promote dignity, stability, and prevent abuse and neglect, connecting people to vital community resources so they can age with independence and quality of life. Ways Family Eldercare makes an Impact: Providing Safe and Affordable Housing – Ensuring older adults and adults with disabilities have stable homes to live independently. Offering Supportive Services – From in-home care and peer groups to financial counseling, helping clients stay healthy, connected, and financially secure. Promoting Dignity and Well-Being – Reducing isolation, preventing abuse, and empowering individuals to live with confidence and respect. How to Get Involved & Earn Some "Good Bragging" Rights: Donate – Your gift helps provide housing and essential services for older adults and adults with disabilities and every dollar is matched through December 31 to double your impact. 👉 https://familyeldercare.donorsupport.co/page/EOY2025  Attend a Friend-Raiser – Tour one of Family Eldercare's communities, hear from the people they serve, and connect with others while learning about their life-changing programs. 👉 https://www.familyeldercare.org/events/  Volunteer – Bring companionship, help with errands or finances, or make special events brighter for residents and create meaningful connections along the way. 👉 https://www.familyeldercare.org/volunteer-program/  How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    54 мин.
  8. Escape Into Project Schoolhouse

    04.12.2025

    Escape Into Project Schoolhouse

    Join us as we escape into Project Schoolhouse! We're excited to welcome Selina Serna, Executive Director, and Shannon Fohn, Board VP, at Project Schoolhouse to the conversation!   First we explore how technology can help mission-driven organizations do more with less. We discuss how AI, automation, and smarter tools can support small teams, strengthen messaging, and expand impact without expanding budgets. Then, we escape into Project Schoolhouse! Project Schoolhouse believes every child deserves a quality education, every community deserves clean water, and schools can be the foundation for stronger, sustainable communities. They work with local communities to build schools, provide clean water, and improve sanitation, helping families keep kids in the classroom. Focused in rural Nicaragua, many villages are remote, lack basic utilities, and families survive on less than $2/day. By addressing education, water, and sanitation together, Project Schoolhouse creates lasting, community-driven change. Ways Project Schoolhouse makes an Impact: Building Schools & Supporting Education – Partnering with communities to give children access to quality education. Providing Clean Water & Improving Sanitation – Ensuring families have safe water and healthier living conditions. Empowering Communities – Facilitating grassroots projects with local volunteer participation for lasting change. How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights: Donate: Supplies, books, and monthly contributions directly support schools, clean water, and sanitation projects in rural Nicaragua. 👉 https://www.projectschoolhouse.org/donate/ Volunteer: Join a Service Adventure Tour to help build schools and water systems while connecting with local communities firsthand. 👉 https://www.projectschoolhouse.org/careers-and-volunteer-opportunities/  Join Impact Hour: Dec 4 · 5 PM at Lazarus Brewing Co. · Enjoy drinks while learning how small actions make a big difference for children.  👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/impact-hours-with-project-schoolhouse-tickets-1824674072269  Stay connected: Follow @projectschoolhouse and subscribe to their newsletter to learn more and get involved. 👉 https://www.projectschoolhouse.org/newsletter/  How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

    52 мин.
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Studies show that people who contribute to something bigger than themselves are happier and live with fewer regrets. Join host Stephanie Dyer as she explores how to create meaningful impact in Austin, Texas, and the surrounding areas. Escape into a Cause hopes to inspire others to turn their good intentions into great impact by sharing stories of community, connecting people to local non-profits, and encouraging everyone to step up, unplug, and make a difference.

Информация

  • Автор
    Stephanie Dyer
  • Годы выхода
    2025 - 2026
  • Выпуски
    47
  • Ограничения
    Без ненормативной лексики
  • Авторские права
    © 2025
  • Сайт подкаста
    Escape into a Cause