Generous Impact

In this episode Amanda and Bret speak with Jess Wiederholt, founder of Crazy Love Africa , about how adopting children from East Africa inspired her to empower single mothers in Western Uganda through micro-business grants, sisterhood support circles, fair-trade artisan work, and child sponsorships. Hear how a community-centered, dignity-first approach transforms lives, builds local leadership, an...

In this episode, Kara Hanaoka, Executive Director of Good Work Austin , discusses how her organization supports Austin's 65,000 food workers through workforce training, healthy workplace practices, community partnerships, and advocacy for fair wages and healthcare. Hear concrete examples of impact — from keeping restaurants running during COVID to a pilot providing zero-deductible health coverage...

Host Amanda Brummitt and co-host Tracy Daniels sit down with Jacob Johnson, Founder and CEO of Calyan Wax Company , to discuss how his candle brand blends product, profit, and purpose to fight human trafficking in the U.S. Jacob shares his personal journey, the company’s giveback model, partnerships with vetted nonprofits, and how Calyan balances mission with business growth. The episode also cove...

In this episode of Generous Impact, hosts Bret and Amanda Brummitt speak with Dr. Mari Galle , founder of the Moving Beyond Cancer Collaborative, about building community-centered, evidence-based support for people affected by cancer. Mari discusses their services including acupuncture, massage, skincare, exercise, meditation, and infusion support.  She shares Moving Beyond Cancer Collaborative 's...

Amanda Brummitt interviews Jess Palmer, Program Director at Keep Austin Fed, about how the nonprofit rescues surplus food and delivers it to people facing food insecurity while reducing waste. The episode explains the logistics of food rescue, the organization’s impact in Austin, ways volunteers and businesses can help, and why treating people with dignity matters. Learn more at KeepAustinFed.org...

Dr. Sarah Matt shares how she balances a high-impact career in health tech with teaching, charity medicine, volunteer firefighting, and family life. She discusses career pivots from surgery to tech, the importance of staying connected to patients, and lessons on building access into healthcare solutions. Through personal stories and practical advice, Sarah shows how small commitments to service cr...

Our guest today is Tim Siegel, Co-Founder of Team Luke Hope for Minds.  Tim shares the powerful ways Team Luke Hope for Minds supports children with brain injuries and their families. From providing essential services to creating a community of hope, their work is nothing short of inspiring. You can find them online at TeamLukeHopeForMinds.org . You can also listen to Tim’s podcast, Tuesdays with...

Amanda Brummitt interviews Dr. Mary Faria about her decades-long career in healthcare and her leadership role with the Austin Mayor's Health and Well‑Being Council. They explore the council's business, school, and faith-based partnership programs, policy wins like citywide smoke-free spaces, and efforts to reduce health disparities across Austin. Dr. Faria also discusses her transition from clinic...

In this episode of Generous Impact, host Amanda Brummitt talks with Lauren Hust, Community Engagement Specialist at Austin Resource Recovery, about how the city is shifting from traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. Lauren explains key programs—curbside recycling and composting, the Recycle & Reuse Drop‑Off Center, Fix‑It Clinics, the Zero Waste Block Leader program, a...

Hosts Bret and Amanda interview Gaby Marin, a software developer, about her path into tech, the mentors who helped her, and the barriers women still face in the industry. Gaby discusses the power of community, mentorship, and inclusive programs like Girls Who Code, shares personal experiences with harassment and perseverance, and explains her goal to uplift and train the next generation of enginee...

In this thought-provoking episode of Generous Impact, hosts Bret and Amanda Brummitt sit down with Lisa Sugarman, a mental health advocate and crisis counselor, to uncover her inspiring journey from personal tragedy to becoming a force for change in the realm of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Lisa opens up about the heartbreak of losing loved ones to suicide and how these experien...

In this episode of Generous Impact, hosts Bret and Amanda Brummitt welcome Dr. Tim Packer, the Executive Director of The Cove in Waco, Texas. Dr. Packer shares his extraordinary journey from working in housing and homelessness services in Scotland to making a significant impact on homeless high school youth in Texas. He delves into how The Cove provides a nurturing environment for these youths, of...

Join Bret and Amanda Brummitt in a deeply insightful conversation with Mark Hilbelink, the Executive Director of Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center in Austin. In this episode, Mark shares his unexpected journey from pastorship to leading a groundbreaking homeless navigation center. Learn about the innovative, trauma-informed services Sunrise offers, which include connecting people experiencing hom...

In this episode of Generous Impact, hosts Bret and Amanda Brummitt are joined by Jose Ferrua, Vice President of Finance and Business Development at Lone Star Circle of Care. Discover how this Texas-based organization provides healthcare to over 100,000 patients annually, regardless of their financial situation. Jose shares insights from his journey from the Dominican Republic to becoming a healthc...

Join Bret and Amanda Brummitt in this inspiring episode of Generous Impact as they sit down with Matt Vestal, co-founder of Junction Health. Discover how Junction Health is making a significant difference in the healthcare landscape by establishing infusion centers within Federally Qualified Health Centers. These centers aim to provide much-needed life-promoting infusions to patients who face fina...

Join Bret and Amanda Brummitt as they delve into the transformative work of Texas Native Health in Dallas with special guest, Dr. Cassandra Self. This episode highlights the organization's comprehensive support system for the Indigenous community, ranging from primary care and diabetes management to behavioral health counseling and career training. Discover how Texas Native Health is not just prov...

Join Bret and Amanda Brummitt as they welcome their esteemed friend and colleague Tawnia Wise, founder of WISE Resource Development. In this insightful episode, Tawnia shares her journey to becoming a transformative force in the nonprofit sector. Discover how WISE Resource Development supports nonprofits by alleviating the burdens of fundraising and recruiting while fostering dignity and respect f...

In this touching episode of Generous Impact, hosts Bret and Amanda Brummitt sit down with Jennifer Lee, a remarkable software engineer and mother of two, who is making a significant difference in the lives of homeless women in her Austin neighborhood. Despite her full-time job and family commitments, Jennifer finds time to offer crucial support and resources to those in need, driven by a genuine c...

Welcome to Generous Impact with Bret and Amanda Brummitt. In this episode, they sit down with their longtime friend Adama Iwu, who brings over two decades of experience in government affairs. Adama shares invaluable insights on how engaging with politics at the local level and being an informed voter can significantly impact your community and the nation. Adama details her journey from starting as...

We are joined today by Andi Gillentine, Vice President of the Board for Gazelle Foundation and Plan Chief Operating Officer at Fidelis Care. In this episode, you'll hear how Gazelle Foundation is bringing clean water to the people of Burundi. Andi shares her personal and professional background, highlighting her journey from Texas to New York, and her extensive experience in healthcare and public...

Welcome to Generous Impact. In this episode, Bret and Amanda Brummitt are joined by Ira Kaufman, a rabbi, social worker, and healthcare executive. Instead of focusing on a single organization, this episode delves into how Ira spends his life serving his community in various impactful ways. Ira shares his journey from New Jersey to Cincinnati, exploring his background in rabbinical school, social w...

Join hosts Bret and Amanda Brummitt on this heartwarming episode of Generous Impact, featuring Brian Allison from NMDP (formerly National Marrow Donor Program) and inspiring transplant recipient, Briana Donis. Discover how NMDP saves lives through cell therapy, and listen to Bri's incredible journey of survival and her unwavering gratitude for her donors. This episode is a powerful reminder of the...

Welcome to Generous Impact! In this episode, hosts Bret and Amanda Brummitt are joined by Marshay Love, Partnership Manager with Rise Against Hunger. Marshay shares her inspiring journey from a probation officer to a key player in the fight against global hunger. Discover how Rise Against Hunger aims to eradicate hunger by providing immediate food assistance and building sustainable food systems f...

In this episode, we are joined by Thurman and Torrence Thomas, founders of Tankproof. Listen in as they share their incredible journey from the swamps of Louisiana to becoming full-time musicians and nonprofit professionals. Discover how Tankproof is making a difference by teaching swimming lessons, providing food security, and fostering community connections in Texas, Louisiana, California, and N...

We are joined today by Jodi Schrobilgen, Executive Director of Hope Clinic.  A big thank you goes out to our friend Alliance Samaragwa for introducing us to Jodi and Hope Clinic.  In this episode, you’ll hear how Hope Clinic provides free, compassionate, and quality healthcare to underserved and uninsured people in Austin including resettled refugees.  They remove barriers to accessing crucial med...