All Episodes

Jim Olsen, director of El Refugio in Ecuador, on a retreat center outside Quito where ropes courses and silence open people to Jesus. How shared adventure, reflection and scripture shape disciples.

Pradeep, a One Collective catalyst in northeastern India, on the beekeeper he challenged to train others. Seventy people trained later, why community development doesn’t have to be complicated.

Emily Hooper, former physical therapist and One Collective catalyst in Kenya’s Rift Valley, on helping without creating dependency. Why the best leaders work to make themselves unnecessary.

John, a One Collective catalyst who has spent nearly a decade with refugees, on earning trust when language, culture and broken systems get in the way. Why bridging existing groups beats starting new ones.

Andrew Larson, One Collective’s catalyst in Athens, Greece, on what real anti-trafficking work looks like. Why steady presence over years, not rescue alone, is what changes lives in the brothel districts.

Brandon Weidman, One Collective’s development director and former catalyst in Nicaragua, on measuring missions by what locals can do for themselves. How a catalyst resources leaders instead of running the show.

Mark Erkenswick, KPMG partner and chair of One Collective’s finance and audit committee, on how to tell if a nonprofit deserves your money. The signs of integrity, the red flags and a two-year cash plan.

Carley Fortosis, One Collective mobilization leader and former refugee worker, on what to ask yourself and an organization before joining. Mission, staff care, accountability and why obstacles don’t disqualify you.

Evan Wise, One Collective’s senior director of advancement, on whether marketing can be a force for good. Why starting with your audience’s real needs builds trust that lasts longer than quick conversions.

Robert L. Gallagher, professor of mission and intercultural studies, on why leaders burn out instead of finishing well. How to build solitude, prayer and silence into a schedule that never slows down.

Danielle Kelly, One Collective’s area director for Europe and catalyst in Athens, on taking risks early in leadership. What a healthy risk looks like when you don’t yet have the experience to be sure.

Debbie Douce, One Collective strategist for at-risk youth, on healing from her own trauma and walking with others through theirs. How your past can stop feeling like a weight and start shaping how you help.

Eric Costanzo, executive director of RisingVillage, on how marginalized people get dehumanized and what it takes to see them as God does. Dignity as the starting point for any hospitality.

Mike and Michelle, who run a coffee shop social enterprise with a vocational program for neurodivergent adults, on building teams that actually collaborate. What inclusion looks like day to day.

Lisa Wolf, SVP of client experience at Westfall Gold, on clarifying your message so supporters understand their part in the work. Why clear communication is the foundation of lasting relationships.

John Lyon, global relief and development leader and lawyer, on how individuals can help communities recover after crisis. Why cash usually beats donated goods and how to know you’ve actually helped.

Simon Majumdar, broadcaster, chef and author, on leading across cultures where no one can grasp every nuance. Why humility is the skill that lets a leader work in rooms they don’t fully understand.

Melissa Sinclair, professor of conflict analysis and resolution at George Mason University, on individual responsibility in large-scale trauma. Why peace leadership starts with working on yourself first.

Kristin Choitz, One Collective leader in Zambia, on what happens when the plan you built for your team gets disrupted. How to stay calm and flexible when God asks you to change course.

Robert Swarthout, three-time founder in software and investing, on why good ministry projects fail when sustainability isn’t built in from the start. How entrepreneurship can fund work that lasts.

Ian Simkins, teaching pastor at Bridge Church, on leading with curiosity instead of projecting expertise. What changes when a leader trades performance for humility and genuine connection.

Brandon Weidman, One Collective’s senior director of development, on what social entrepreneurship is and why ministry needs it. Where the risk of leaving traditional methods turns into opportunity.

Bill Benjamin, partner at the Institute for Health and Human Potential, on handling the emotionally charged moments at work and home. How hard conversations become chances to grow instead of threats.

Bobby Jackson, One Collective senior area director and clinical director at Rally Point Counseling, on leading when every day feels like putting out fires. How to build a culture that solves problems together.

Joe Pringle of the National Christian Foundation on the joy in generosity and how to pass it to the next generation. Why giving well is about more than money, and how families can talk about it.

Aaron Niequist, liturgist, writer and pastor, on practice-based faith, deconstruction and rebuilding. How to find your place as a follower of Jesus in a divided world without closing your mind.

Andrew Code, co-founder of Chicago Fellowship and private equity manager, on whether short-term trips are worth it. Why traveling to hard places builds the humility and cultural awareness leaders need.

Doug Landro, One Collective area director for Ukraine, on why churches, schools and nonprofits in the same town rarely work together. The barriers, and how a leader can unite them behind one goal.

Ted Esler, president of Missio Nexus and author of The Innovation Crisis, on why so few nonprofits make room for real innovation. What it takes to give partners and staff space to try new things.