Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart

Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart

Small & Gutsy offers our listeners the opportunity to learn about the smaller, less known nonprofits and social impact organizations with revenues under $10 M. Our aim is to bring their stories to life, celebrate them, and further build their client, potential employee, volunteer, and funding networks. The goal of the Small & Gutsy podcast is to raise the visibility of this Big little social impact sector. Tune in as we interview a different organization so you can learn about them, maybe find a job, volunteer, or donate.

Episodes

March 3, 2026 48 mins

Dr. Laura Scherck Wittkoff welcomes Ann Medlock and John Graham, the founders and leaders of the Giraffe Heroes Project—an organization that has spent over 40 years celebrating ordinary people who "stick their necks out" for the common good. From their serendipitous Superman movie meet-cute to building a global movement around courage, compassion, and community, Ann and John share how storytelling became their most powerful tool fo...

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In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff welcomes Antonis Politis and Panos Kokmotos, two young Greek entrepreneurs who co-founded Givelink, a donation platform transforming how people give to nonprofits. GiveLink connects donors directly to nonprofits' real needs through in-kind giving, creating transparency, measurable impact, and genuine engagement every step of the way.

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED

The Origin Story:...

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EverWalk is the brainchild of Diana Nyad and Bonnie Stoll, created to help all of us live longer, better, and healthier lives.

Their mission and vision are to build community by walking side by side, leaving differences behind, and discovering the freedom that comes from striding together, instead of sitting hunched over a screen.

EverWalk invites you to make the commitment to become your best...

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Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff reflects on the power of Indigo Arts Alliance's approach to artist development. She emphasizes that the organization understands a fundamental truth: the creative mind is a creative mind. By setting the right place, environment, and tone, Indigo Arts Alliance enables ...

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Michelle Etchebarren shares an inspiring journey from struggling single mother of four to founder of Attorneys in Mot...

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Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff welcomes Dr. Leah Hanes, CEO of Two-Bit Circus Foundation, to discuss how hands-on, experiential learning is transforming education for students across Los Angeles and beyond. After 13 years leading the organization, Dr. Hanes shares her personal journey from a student labeled a "slow learner" due to undiagnosed dyslexia to becoming a passionate advocate for reimagining how we teach creativity, collaborat...

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One of the biggest travesties in our country is the number of unhoused individuals and families. Home Again LA is changing the narrative around homelessness by recognizing it as a situational crisis, not a personal failure. Through innovative partnerships with faith-based organizations, corporati...

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    In this episode of Small & Gutsy, Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff sits down with Keri Burgess, founder of The Farm Dog Rescue, and Nancy Zare, a dedicated volunteer foster parent, to discuss the critical work of dog rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible adoption in Martin County, Florida.

    The Farm Dog Rescue is a no-kill dog rescue organization that has made it a mission to rescue and adopt dogs, educate the community, and help animal...

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    Rachel Miller, founder of Film2Future, joins Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff to discuss how her nonprofit is revolutionizing access to the entertainment industry for underserved LA youth. Rachel shares her personal journey, from discovering filmmaking at 16, to creating a comprehensive, completely free program that removes barriers to entry for talented teenagers from low-income backgrounds. The episode explores Film2Future's innovative...

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    Join host Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff as she explores the vital role of arts education with Gavin Cho, discussing how the Burbank Arts & Education Foundation is working to ensure every student has access to quality education and enrichment programs.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The merger of two long-standing educational foundations in Burbank created a stronger, unified approach to supporting students
    • Twice-yearly grant programs provide cru...
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    Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff hosts a compelling discussion on the importance of intuition and personal safety with Barb Jordan, a safety expert and advocate. The episode explores Barb's personal journey, driven by family tragedy, to educate and empower individuals to recognize and prevent predatory...

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    In this enlightening episode, host Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff talks with Christine Buckley, the Executive Director and Board President of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. The episode delves into the complexities and risks associated with brain aneurysms, highlighting the critical nature of early diagnosis and proper treatment.

    **Key Discussion Points:**

    1. **Understanding Brain Aneurysms:**
    - The brain's intricate role as an organ ...

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    Episode: AMBITION - Transforming Lives Through Power Not Pity

    Guest: Nancy Gale - Founder of AMBITION and JAMAH Luxury Handbags

    Episode Description:
    A powerful conversation about transforming lives through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the unique approach of "power not pity." Nancy Gale shares how she integrated cause and commerce through her luxury handbag brand JAMAH and nonprofit AMBITION, creating opportunities for disadvan...

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    The Intrinsic Philosophy of Change

    • Change from Within: We believe that the most enduring and meaningful transformations arise from the people most impacted—those who live within the system and carry its deepest insights.

    • Embedded Transformation: Change is not an external imposition. It becomes intrinsic—woven into the identity of the individual, group, or organization. It's not just what they do differently; it's w...

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    This episode is about The Power of Connection: Giving, Learning, and Changing the World

    We live in a world where opportunities often come through connections — but not just any connections. The ones that matter most are built on trust, generosity, and shared purpose. Networking isn't just about knowing the right people. It's about being the right kind of person. ...

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    The conference is coming up on October 16th

    For m...

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    How many times have I wished I could take those negative thoughts out of my head, those thoughts projecting a future that may not actually happen? This doesn't mean that we don't prepare for the worst, but do we want to live in that state or space where it virtually eliminates being in the present/ our present? How can we enjoy anything if we are always thinking about what might be? Conversely, thinking about what might be from a p...

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    September 2, 2025 72 mins

    What happens when you mix the love of Jiu-Jitsu and the love for community? Guardian happens! This podcast recording offers insight into how learning to manage our emotions through martial arts, and specifically through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has its own magical ingredients with real and lasting impact. Guardian was founded by Ben Kovacs and Joel Lunenfeld in 2015, initially starting as a s...

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    In this nonprofit podcast story, I share about a personal experience and then tap into the beauty of matching rescueres with rescues! I am not sure who rescues whom!

    I don't know about you, but I think about dog rescue as a really wonderful thing to do although it has its challenges; our dog, Molly is a rescue and I guess that she ...

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