The Common Good Data Podcast

In this episode, we explore one of the most pressing challenges facing the social sector today: economic mobility. While the idea of the “American Dream” suggests that upward mobility is widely available, the data tells a more complicated story. Only about 64% of Americans believe those opportunities exist, and research shows that a significant portion of income advantage is passed from one genera...

What does it really take to build a sustainable nonprofit or social sector organization? In this solo episode, I share a simple but powerful metaphor that’s been sticking with me: most organizations are trying to cross a bridge that is only half built. You have the mission. You have the programs. You’re doing meaningful work. But something is missing between that work and the consistent funding ne...

You don’t need more data. You need a better story. In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe sit down with Candice Jordan, Chief Development Officer at Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, to explore how nonprofits can turn data into compelling stories that actually drive funding. Many organizations collect data. But the real challenge is knowing how to use it strat...

Why do strong behavioral health programs still struggle to demonstrate their impact? Many of the organizations I work with are doing incredibly important work. You are supporting prevention initiatives, expanding access to treatment, helping families navigate mental health challenges, and strengthening communities. But when it comes time to demonstrate impact and secure funding, many leaders feel...

Are numbers enough to tell the full story of your impact? In this episode of the Common Good Data podcast, Drew Reynolds sits down with Cheralynn Corsack, founder of Local Insight Studio, to explore how mixed methods evaluation can produce deeper, more actionable insight, especially in rural communities. Evaluation conversations often center on numbers. Outputs. Outcomes. KPIs. But data alone rare...

In early 2026, I watched nearly $2 billion in proposed cuts to SAMHSA funding send shockwaves through the mental health and substance use field. Organizations lost grants. Staff lost jobs. Longstanding programs appeared to end overnight. Then, within 24 hours, the funding was reinstated. In this episode, I reflect on how nonprofit and social sector leaders can learn from that moment and use nonpar...

What does it look like to use data not just to report, but to change outcomes at a national scale? In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Roger and I are joined by Michelle Dunivan, Senior Director of Insights and Analytics at Best Friends Animal Society. Michelle shares how Best Friends uses data, partnerships, and trust-building to advance its bold mission of making the entire United S...

What does it actually take to lead well in 2026—especially when resources are tight, expectations are high, and the work is complex? In this solo episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, I share three practical, leadership-level moves nonprofit and social sector leaders can make this year to strengthen impact and make data work for you (instead of becoming another burden). You’ll hear a clear fram...

In this special year-end episode of the Common Good Data Podcast , I share 12 evaluation reflections for the new year, inspired by The 12 Days of Christmas . As we wrap up the year, I wanted to slow things down and reflect on what I’ve been learning and what I hope to carry into my data and evaluation work in 2026. Throughout the episode, I talk about why it’s so important to rediscover your “why”...

How do you build real, lasting relationships with funders — the kind that go beyond the grant cycle? In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, hosts Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe sit down with Bill Crouch, President of BrightDot Fundraising Advisors, to talk about the human side of fundraising. Bill shares why fundraising is not just about money — it’s about meaning, trust, and impact. To...

On this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast , Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe sit down with Dr. Victor Amaya, President and Executive Director of Data You Can Use in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Amaya shares how his organization flips the traditional research model on its head by starting with communities first. Instead of merely extracting data, his team listens, co-creates with residents, and k...

In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Roger and Drew are joined by Sydney Idzikowski, Associate Director of the Charlotte Regional Data Trust , for a deep dive into how integrated data systems can “move at the speed of trust.” Together, they unpack what administrative data is, why it so often remains siloed across agencies, and how the Data Trust works to securely connect information fr...

In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, we’re joined by Carolyn Allison, CEO of Charlotte Community Health Clinic, to explore what it really means to care for the health of a community. Together with co-host Roger Suclupe, we discuss: How more than 100,000 Mecklenburg County adults live without health insurance The innovative ways Charlotte Community Health Clinic expands access to care,...

Mastering Focus Groups and Interviews with Expert Evaluator Melissa Siegel Barrios - In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of conducting effective focus groups and interviews with Melissa Siegel Barrios of MSB Consulting. As an expert evaluator with extensive experience in violence prevention and collaboration with various organizations, Melissa shares actionable insights on crafting...

In this episode of The Common Good Data Podcast , we continue our three-part series exploring the “The Storyteller” as leader. Listen in to learn why storytelling isn’t just a communications strategy — it’s a leadership practice. Every nonprofit and prevention organization is full of powerful stories. But too often, those stories live in hallway conversations, side comments, or moments that never...

Think back to when you were young. Can you remember a moment when an adult truly listened to you, took your opinion seriously, and made you feel like your voice mattered? Many of us don’t have those memories—at least, not until much later in life. But for a child who hears, “You are an expert in your own life. Your voice matters,” the impact can be profound. That’s exactly what UNICEF’s Child-Frie...

In the nonprofit and social sector, data is everywhere—whether it’s survey responses, attendance records, financial data, or program outcomes. But numbers alone don’t drive change. It’s how you interpret and apply them that makes the difference. As part of a three-part series, we previously discussed the strategist, and now we’re focusing on the analyst—the person who turns data into clear insight...

We often focus on addressing problems after they’ve occurred in the nonprofit and social sector, but what if we could intervene earlier? After 30 years of research in prevention science, the evidence is clear: many behavioral health issues and related challenges can be prevented. I’m joined by Mitchell Moore, an advanced certified prevention specialist, to discuss the power of early intervention i...

Federal funding for nonprofits is in flux. A recent White House memo led to a freeze on funding, only for a federal judge to put it on hold. Meanwhile, key public health datasets disappeared, with some now being reinstated. What does this mean for nonprofits relying on federal support? In this episode, we break down the latest legal battles, agency shifts, and what nonprofits can do to stay ahead....

Building strong university-community partnerships isn’t easy. Power imbalances, competing goals, and trust issues can get in the way, turning good intentions into missed opportunities. So how can nonprofits and universities work together more effectively? In this episode, Roger and I sit down with Toye Watson, Director of Community Impact at UNC Charlotte, to unpack the common challenges and share...

In the first weeks of the new administration, a series of executive orders have introduced significant policy changes affecting nonprofits. These cover areas like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), gender and LGBTQ+ rights, international aid, and immigration. It raises critical questions about compliance, funding stability, and long-term program sustainability. In this episode, Drew breaks do...

Funders want proof that your programs are efficient and impactful.  But pulling together data to show your impact feels challenging when you don’t have the tools, systems, or extra staff to make it happen. Your team is likely piecing together metrics with limited capacity, resulting in reports that fall short and reinforce the cycle of underfunding.  Today’s episode is about breaking that cycle. ...

Trauma and resilience are being talked about more in helping professions, yet what’s often overlooked is how human service organizations can become more trauma-informed and resilient. Is another trauma training really the answer, or is there something deeper that needs to shift within organizations themselves? I’m joined by Brett Loftis, a human rights attorney and child advocate who has spent his...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a successful data-driven leader? In this episode, we’re diving into the three roles every data-driven leader must play and how mastering them can drive your organization forward. Drew explains the three essential roles of a data-driven leader: the strategist, the analyst, and the storyteller. He shares how these roles help leaders make informed decisions,...

Every day, millions of people in our communities face an impossible situation. They’re stuck in a gap—unable to afford health insurance but also not qualifying for federal assistance. It’s a harsh reality, leaving many with nowhere to turn when they need care the most. In Cabarrus County, North Carolina, the Community Free Clinic is stepping up to fill that gap. Led by Laura Lyerly, the clinic pro...