Philanthropy should not only be purposeful but fun. Check out these fun and informative conversations with Rena Olsen of the Uncommon Philanthropist Show.

Rena Olsen Rena Olsen

Delivering Hope with Ethan Forhetz of Convoy of Hope

In this episode of Uncommon Philanthropist, you'll learn more about the power of hope and help as shared by Ethan Forhetz, Vice President of Public Engagement/ National Spokesperson for Convoy of Hope. Convoy of Hope is a tremendous organization working to make a difference in the lives of children around the world. As UPs, let's connect, engage and support this faith-based organization with a passion to feed the world. Let go!

P.S. Since this episode was recorded, Convoy of Hope is now on the ground in Jamaica serving our brothers and sisters with disaster recovery support services following Hurricane Melissa. Please remember the people of Jamaica in your prayers and give generously if you are able: ⁠https://convoyofhope⁠.

To learn more:

⁠https://convoyofhope.org⁠

⁠https://uncommonphilanthropist.com⁠

Listen on:

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/c1TTiQ451Jo

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JylBH73gDLGZ6O1Q67l6U?si=UJZYHqISRpqeAU0hOBAyhA

Please accept our apologies and excuse the less than stellar audio in this episode as we experienced an audio feedback issue on Rena's mic that went undetected until the recording was over. This conversation was too good, however, not to share, thanks to the professionalism and talent of our guest, Ethan Forhetz, a former news anchor with over 25 years experience. We hope you enjoy their conversation.

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Rena Olsen Rena Olsen

Building Purposeful Communities with David Homan

Have you ever considered that connecting is a form of philanthropy? In this episode, you’ll meet David Homan, a next level connector, uncommon philanthropist, dad, author and composer. He is here today to challenge the way we think about connection and how we can maximize our ability as connectors to build purposeful communities. Let go!

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcasting platforms, including:

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/ibPilX_ldy8

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/4y6B2dWF3us466ntWQyhdq?si=KZQ5KZJeTNmIfaMNQnYQtQ

To learn more:

https://orchestratedconnecting.com

Https://uncommonphilanthropist.com

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Rena Olsen Rena Olsen

The Silver Tsunami with Kathi Miracle

Caring for a loved one with dementia is truly one of the highest forms of philanthropy. Kathi Miracle is an author, expert and consultant and helps caregivers navigate the challenges of dementia care with compassion, knowledge and practical strategies.  She is here to share more with us about The Silver Tsunami.  Let go!

To learn more:

https://www.mysilvertsunami.com

To listen to the full episode:

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/2z2ftk2ERDy3YM6y3KwZWI?si=Tf0Sbao1R6CJS-pytotr_Q

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/SZ0gyQ-mSq0

ApplePodcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uncommon-philanthropist/id1774213804?i=1000732826897

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Rena Olsen Rena Olsen

Getting Funded with Renee Bourque

Professor Renee Bourque leads us through the essentials of finding grant funding and so much more in this fun and informative episode. Renee advises UPs that curiosity should lead the way for those seeking to serve others through philanthropy. Let go!

Watch or listen to this episode here:

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/5jnLVYusnWM

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/44TBMCOh30GJc5SbNObi1v?si=uzQG9U3OTPOjcVuaKjtgAQ

And from your favorite podcasting apps.

For more information:

https://GettingFundedBooks.com

https://BrightStarGrantConsultants.com

#Philanthropy #uncommonphilanthropist #serve #servantleaders #servantleadership

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Rena Olsen Rena Olsen

How We Can Better Love and Serve the Homeless with Chuck Wilbanks

Homelessness is something that universally tugs on our heartstrings. You see that person, with a sign by the side of the road, and you want to help, so you stop and give money or you give “stuff”. As you will learn in today’s conversation with Chuck Willbanks, the former Outreach Director for SafeHouse Outreach, warns that does not help, and in fact may be causing more harm than good. As Uncommon Philanthropists, we are here to learn and then to mobilize. As it turns out, helping our homeless brothers and sisters is not about money or donations of items:  it’s about connection and love.  Let go!

To learn more:

https://safehouseoutreach.org

Https://cityofrefuge.org

Listen to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and your favorite podcasting platforms:

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6KBqRjNQz5IJT8VkxaIwcs?si=72324a0bf7c248d5

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/6dPjailVx4c

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Rena Olsen Rena Olsen

WISE Generosity with Chris Gabriel

On our journey to becoming uncommon philanthropists, it's important we gain wisdom along the way. Chris Gabriel, a philanthropy and financial expert and author of the new book, WISEgenerosity, teaches us how we become both generous and WISE in our philanthropy. Let go!

Listen to this episode:

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/C20pGkVqHZw

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/44Lq6sAb8fVPBvl0AgNGiV?si=jNk6JZvERmyvvAnKP59IHg

Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uncommon-philanthropist/id1774213804?i=1000725720376

To learn more about Chris: ⁠https://wisegenerosity.com

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Rena Olsen Rena Olsen

Think Like a Philanthropist with Zoe Hicks

Zoe Hicks, an attorney, is here to help us think and act like a philanthropist!

The heart of a philanthropist requires both kindness and courage.  In Zoe's case, her courage was tested when she refused to cancel a trip to Liberia in Africa during the height of the Ebola crisis. Learn more about her story on this episode of Uncommon Philanthropist. Let go!

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/zk9hwOYcU40

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/69q2qFt6U6dJukRtrdekLl?si=HHxmRuiCQjGyHWyNmq3PYQ

Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uncommon-philanthropist/id1774213804?i=1000723750310

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Rena Olsen Rena Olsen

Hungry for Joy

One glance at social media, or real (or fake) news, and our anxiety levels rise. I remember learning in journalism class: “If it bleeds, it leads.” Sadly, that’s still true. Bad news is big business.

But it’s also bad for our souls.

Through my Uncommon Philanthropist platform, I’ve set out to spread hope-filled news that philanthropy isn’t just for the wealthy, it’s for all of us. What I’ve discovered along the way is a secondary message of JOY!

As I begin sharing my first book, Maxine’s Joy, I’ve noticed something powerful. The very mention of “joy” brightens the room. We nod and smile, “Yes to more joy!” We are a nation hungry for more joy, less anger and angst.

And the good news? It happens one person, one moment, one family at a time.

Joy is closer than we think. If you focus, you’ll find it:

  • In the eyes of the people you share life with

  • In your children, who miraculously share the same genetics as you and countless generations before

  • In the work of your hands that provide for food and a roof overhead

  • In the town you call home

  • Around the dinner table, where meals are more than food—it’s sacred space where bonds are strengthened and memories made

  • In the hands and hearts of teachers guiding your children and the first responders protecting your community

  • In the faithful pets curled at your feet

  • In the larger communities of work, friends, faith and passions you share

  • In the depths of your soul where your one true love lives, your Abba (Father)

Don’t let the noise of the urgent drown out what matters most. Look up. See the love, the light, the gifts that surround you. When you do, you’ll see it—joy.

Bringing it back to philanthropy: all profits from Maxine’s Joy will be donated to Alzheimer’s causes.

Let go!

Rena

P.S. Metro Atlanta friends and family, I’d love to see you Saturday, August 23rd, from 1 to 3 PM at Poe and Company Bookstore in downtown Crabapple for a chance to talk about joy. Signed, personalized copy’s of “Maxine’s Joy” will be available and light refreshments served.

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