Good For Others Podcast

In this episode of The Good For Others Show , John Valencia sits down with Dr. Maxie Gluckman, Executive Director of Friends of Fundesur, to talk about what happens when community-driven leadership, private-sector partnership, and global impact come together. Maxie shares the story behind the shrimp pin she always wears — and how shrimp exports from Honduras became the unexpected foundation for fu...

In this special episode of The Good For Others Show, John Valencia sits down with Heidi Roddenberry, Chair of the Roddenberry Foundation, for a fireside chat from the Together for Good Conference. Heidi shares her perspective on trust-based giving, systems change, flexible funding, and what it means to invest in people and infrastructure, not just programs. This conversation explores how nonprofit...

In this episode of The Good For Others Show , John Valencia sits down with Shara Fisler , Founder and Executive Director of Ocean Discovery Institute, to explore what it really takes to build systems that create lasting opportunity. From its beginnings as a small summer program to a nationally recognized, equity-centered STEM pipeline, Ocean Discovery Institute is redefining what’s possible for st...

In this insightful episode of the Good For Others podcast, host John Valencia is joined by Parina Parikh, Associate Vice President at Jobs for the Future (JFF), to explore the rapidly evolving world of work. Together, they examine the challenges and opportunities emerging in today’s employment landscape, particularly in light of technological change, automation, and shifting workforce demands. Par...

In this episode, host  John Valencia  sits down with Tonya Torosian, Chief Executive Officer at  Promises2Kids , a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in San Diego County. Promises2Kids provides critical services like emergency shelter, college scholarships, and mentorship programs to help children heal from trauma and build a brighter future. John discusses the organizatio...

In this episode, John Valencia sits down with Gina Lee, Director of Staffing and Programs with Partnership for a Better San Diego—a trailblazing initiative connecting nonprofits, employers, and workers to build a more inclusive, equitable local economy. 💡 Hear how this powerful coalition is: Tackling workforce barriers in underserved communities Leveraging cross-sector collaboration for systems c...

On this week’s Good For Others Show , host John Valencia sits down with Kellye Buchanan, Director of Philanthropy at Walden Family Services and a powerhouse in nonprofit fundraising. With over $25 million raised for causes in San Diego, Kellye shares the secrets behind building meaningful donor relationships and driving mission-focused impact. 💡 If you work in the nonprofit world—or just care abo...

On this episode of The Good For Others Show, host John Valencia sits down with Darlene Cossio, Director of Marketing Communications at Goodwill Industries of San Diego, to uncover the incredible impact Goodwill has beyond just donation centers and thrift stores! Tune in to hear how Goodwill is: 🔹 Empowering Careers by provides job training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabil...

On this episode of The Good for Others Show, we’re thrilled to welcome the one and only Eva Matthews, CEO of Mama’s Kitchen, to the podcast! Tune in as she shares her vision for sustainable growth at Mama’s Kitchen,  the power of collaboration in the nonprofit sector, earning national and California Food is Medicine accreditation, and how Mama’s Kitchen is truly woven into the fabric of our commun...

On this episode of the Good For Others Show, we sit down with Chelsy Clark, Regional Corporate Relations Director at the American Cancer Society, to explore the power of partnerships in the nonprofit world.  Tune in to hear her candidly discuss her mother's inspiring triumph over breast cancer and how it fueled her dedication to meaningful causes like the American Cancer Society. Through a li...

In this inspiring episode, Good For Others welcomes Lucy Eagleson, the Executive Director of A Reason to Survive (ARTS), to discuss how art and creativity can transform communities and empower individuals. With over 15 years of experience in impact-driven spaces, Lucy shares her journey from filmmaker to nonprofit leader, the values that guide her work, and the innovative programs at ARTS that are...

Season 2 of The Good for Others Show continues with an inspiring conversation featuring Elsa Morales Roth , Executive Director of the Emilio Nares Foundation. Elsa shares her incredible journey as a binational leader passionate about equitable healthcare access and supporting families during their toughest times. Learn how the Emilio Nares Foundation has driven over 1.5 million miles to provide fr...

In this transformative episode of The Good For Others Show , we sit down with Tamara Craver, President and CEO of Reality Changers , an organization changing the game for first-generation college students in San Diego. Tamara shares the incredible journey of empowering students with less than a 2.0 GPA to become college-bound leaders and agents of change in their communities. Discover how Reality...

Sandra Joseph is a history-making Broadway star, a #1 international Amazon bestselling author, and a keynote speaker. Her legendary run as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera spanned ten years and more than 1,300 performances. She earned the record as the longest-running leading lady in the longest-running Broadway show of all time. She has been seen on numerous national broadcasts, includi...

Take a leap, say "yes" and change your life! Good For Others Host John Valencia and special guest Kara DeFrias talk about finding the courage to say "yes" to life opportunities can lead to ultimate contentment. From the theatre, the Super Bowl, the Oscars, and even to the White House as an Obama Presidential Fellow, learn how Kara's decision to say "yes" in times...

Learn how building a culture of employee community engagement can increase morale, brand loyalty, and help the world. Good For Others Host John Valencia and special guest Warren Ruis , chat about how the many ways employee community engagement can transform workplace culture and support nonprofits in the process.  Warren Ruis is San Diego Gas & Electric's Director of Regional Public Affai...

Everyone deserves to work in a toxic-free workplace.  Good For Others Host John Valencia and special guest Catherine Mattice Zundel chat about how to maintain civility in the workforce and prevent a toxic environment to ensure reduced turnover, engaged and loyal employees, and better quality and quantity of work. Catherine Mattice Zundel, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, founded Civility Partners in 2008 as a resu...

Listeners have asked, so we responded!  Our host and creator, John Valencia, shares his background and experiences that have led him to dedicate his career to the nonprofit sector. Our producer, Samantha Harrod, and John chat how our past influences our futures. John Valencia is the CEO and President of Good For Others and serves as the host of the Good For Others Podcast .  For the last 20 years,...

Hear about hiring best practices from the employer and candidate perspectives!  Good For Others host John Valencia and special guest Trevor Blair chat about tools everyone can use to help hire the right person for the job.  Trevor is a workforce expert.  In 2016, Trevor launched Blair Search Partners which provides recruiting and executive search services for mission-driven organizations in San Di...

Learn how creating a meaningful donor experience transforms your impact.  Good For Others host John Valencia and special guest Martin Leifeld chat about successful tactics to improve and enhance the donor experience to be more genuine, transparent, and authentic. Martin is an expert in fundraising where he has dedicated four decades in senior fundraising leadership and executive roles.  In 2018, M...

Learn how to market your organization's "why" and make your mission the focal point in fun and unique ways! Our host John Valencia and special guest Darlene Cossio chat about various marketing efforts that have transformed Goodwill Industries of San Diego County.  Hear about the tools and ideas you can implement at your organization to increase awareness and drive engagement to thos...

Learn which leadership skills to focus on so you can boost your career! Our host John Valencia and special guest Nancy Batterman, chat about various skills which are necessary to climb the ladder and reach your desired role.  Hear how skills like empathy, humility, and resiliency can launch your career and set you up for long-term success! The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into rea...

Learn how an Information Manager role can improve your organization by increasing efficiency and effectiveness.  Our host John Valencia and special guest Naomi O'Connor chat about the crucial role most organizations are missing.  Listen to why an Information Manager can make your job easier and more fun in the process! The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted...

Hear how to take a big idea and turn it into reality. John Valencia (host) and Melissa Slawson (guest) chat about ways to turn dreams into action. Melissa started with a desire to bring the March for Science to San Diego and made it happen. Now, Melissa is supporting the Women's March San Diego and helping to ensure it is a massive success with their next big event on January 18, 2020. Check...

Learn easy ways to integrate play into your work to enhance teamwork, reduce stress and inspire creativity. John Valencia and Breanna Baer share how they successfully add play into the workspace which increases productivity and builds meaningful relationships throughout an organization.  The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode featu...