Giving Is A Skill

Over the last two years, I’ve released 110 episodes of this podcast. It’s been an amazing journey, and the time has come for me to take a little break in order to fulfill on the giving work I am committed to. This week, I fill you in on what’s next in my personal giving, and share why being called crazy is a label every giver should aspire for.  ____________________________________________________...

Our development-centric culture seems to reward addition over everything else. Subtraction is usually not seen as the star of progression, especially when it comes to making progress in our lives. This week, learn why we should start seeing the minus sign as the key to unlocking our giving potential. Hidden Brain Episode, “Do Less:“ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brai...

Individualism seems to be everywhere. It’s in the movies we watch, the news we read, and the music we listen to. But just because it is everywhere, doesn’t mean it is useful. This week, find out why, ironically, getting outside yourself is the surest way to be individually successful in life and giving. Radio West Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/radiowest/id262033197?i=1000626485184...

Inconvenience is often something we avoid. In fact, the amount of energy we spend avoiding it seems, in some respects, counterproductive. This week, learn why we should sometimes choose to voluntarily inconvenience ourselves, especially when it comes to freeing up resources for our giving. Voluntary Simplicity Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/giving-is-a-skill/id1622894869?i=10006496...

Commitment is a principle often talked about but rarely practiced. It seems that our default behavior is to do everything except what is truly necessary. This week, discover how true commitment—or simply doing what is necessary—can take your giving to the next level. The Power of Discontentment:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/giving-is-a-skill/id1622894869?i=1000651864977 _________________...

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in our own human experiences that we forget what it’s like for those around us. This week, learn what it means to be human through the documentary 'Human Volume 1.’ Human Volume 1: https://youtu.be/vdb4XGVTHkE?si=em2tqF6I_qknURwi ______________________________________________________ Check out the new 5 minute video introduction to giving and philanthropy: https...

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the inequities in this world. Between almost continuous reports of natural disasters, the ever-present echoes of war, and political upheaval abroad, and at home, one can feel like the only way to deal with all the noise is to simply find the nearest sandhill and shove their head in it. This week, learn how to gradually level up your giving skills so you can be...

The messy middle is where a lot of us find ourselves, especially when it comes to giving. We have an inkling of an idea to give back, but for one reason or another we can’t get all the pieces to fit together just right. Although necessary to creating good in the world, it’s all to easy to get stuck within continuous ideation. This week, learn from the experience of a fellow messy middler, Austin H...

Discontentment is often viewed negatively in our society, with the natural response being to avoid it if possible, and to quickly rebound if not. But what if we chose to dwell in this dissatisfaction and approached it with curiosity? This week, learn how embracing the power of discontent can serve as a catalyst for enhancing the way you give. ______________________________________________________...

Prison is one of those places about which most of us know very little. As such, it's easy for stereotypes and misunderstandings to color our perceptions of those who find themselves incarcerated. This week, learn how to push back against this way of thinking through the raw story of Portia Louder. ______________________________________________________ Check out the new 5 minute video introduc...

It’s hard to believe that this is episode 100 of the Giving is a Skill Podcast! To celebrate, I’m diving deep into the podcast archives to share the 10 things I’ve learned about the skill set of giving since starting this podcast! Giving is a Skill The Free Throws of Giving: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/giving-is-a-skill/id1622894869?i=1000633186042 Developing that Skill Set is a Journey...

For many of us, luck is often a casual conversation topic revolving around four-leaf clovers and leprechauns. Rarely does it inspire us to change our behavior, because, after all, luck is seen as mere chance. But have you ever considered what your life would be like without the luck you currently enjoy? This week, learn how you can leverage the success attributed to your luck to give back to those...

Intention is often the main criterion we use to gauge our impact as individual philanthropists. The common belief is, "If our hearts are in the right place, that's all that matters." But, is that truly the case? Should the goodwill of our hearts be the sole measure of the positive change we bring into the world? This week, join us as we explore a more effective approach to achieving...

We typically think of math when the phrase 'order of operations' is used. But what would happen if we applied this sequential focus approach to giving? This week, learn how to follow the Giving Order of Operations: Need, Intervention, and Giver. ______________________________________________________ Check out the new 5 minute video introduction to giving and philanthropy: https://vimeo.c...

Journeys are made up of thousands of individual steps. It’s not every day that you get the chance to learn, in real-time, from the individual steps of another. This week, get the chance to do just that as Lauren Lund joins us to check in on her as-lived giving journey. A Giver’s Journey Pt. 1 (ft. Laurent Lund) * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/giving-is-a-skill/id1622894869?...

There is a pervasive belief that you have to be rich in order to be involved in lifesaving giving. It’s pervasive because it is simply not true. In fact, for less than the cost of an In-and-Out hamburger, you could literally save the life of another human being. This week, learn how you can donate effectively by utilizing the research services of organizations such as GiveWell. Peter Singer’s Orig...

If you’ve ever thought that your money doesn’t matter in giving, you’re not alone. It can be easy to view your individual contribution as insignificant when compared to the major issues of this world like hunger, poverty, and disease. Your not alone though, and when you take your money and combine it with all the other givers out in the world, the opportunity is astonishing. This week, learn how t...

Mascots are a lot of things, but before 1994 they weren’t often thought of when it came to charity work. That all changed when Jon Absey and Andy Chudd struck up an unlikely partnership that led to the Jazz Bear becoming the Mascot for Charities. This week, meet the man behind the bear and learn why you don’t have to be famous to get started. ______________________________________________________...

The kindness of strangers is something many of us have vivid experiences with. Whether it is the surprise paid meal, an unexpected gift, or a kind compassionate compliment, these often unanimous heroes make all of our worlds a little brighter. This week, listen to a recent experience Caroline Hilton and I had with one of these kind strangers and the lessons we learned from our time with Miracle Ti...

Just like journeys on the road or into the mountains, giving journeys are much more enjoyable with company. There is something inherently bonding and motivating about this companionship, which is why we are introducing a new segment to the podcast where we get to walk a few miles in the shoes of other givers. This week, learn about overcoming the overwhelm that can come into our lives when we give...

Unfortunately, impact is talked about much more than it is actioned on. Too many of us waste our energy and resources dreaming about a better world while a select few are actually putting in the work. At GrassRoots Giving, it is our mission to flip this trend on its head. In this episode, learn about the impact we, as a team,  intend to have in 2024 and what we are doing to quantify what happens....

Giving is a Skill is evolving and one of the main catalysts behind this evolution is a good friend of mine, Conner Simmons. Conner and I met in high school and after a few years a part, we are joining forces to refocus and revamp this show into something greater. This week, get to know Conner personally and begin to see the future of Giving is a Skill.  ____________________________________________...

With New Year's just around the corner, it can be tempting to spend the next week or so planning ambitious giving goals for 2023. Maybe you feel called to help alleviate poverty in South America, support homeless veterans in Miami, or stop the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. Whatever the cause, before you get too far down the giving daydream, remember these four words: "start sma...

Almost every Christmas tradition is rooted in some act of generosity. You can see this in the decorated trees, carolers on doorsteps, and in the character of jolly old St. Nicholas. This week, learn the philanthropy origin story of the rosy-cheeked man with the red suit and sleigh.  Main History Reference: https://www.stnicholascenter.org/who-is-st-nicholas ________________________________________...

With Christmas just 13 days away, the pressure is ramping up to finalize Christmas plans and presents. With so much to do, it can be easy to forget why we celebrate Christmas in the first place, especially when it comes to family gatherings. This week, learn how to stir your family get-togethers towards the true meaning of Christmas, regardless of your religious beliefs. Am I the Dead Sea or Galil...