4 Unique Podcasts to Inspire Social Innovation was originally published on Idealist Careers.
It’s safe to say that many of us could use a bit of inspiration these days—and podcasts are a great way to stay informed and entertained from home. Whether you need a new podcast obsession or just want to know what’s out there, you have lots of choices in the social-impact sphere. These four under-the-radar podcasts are great for professional growth, with enough diversity and entertainment to keep you listening.
1. Tiny Spark
Listen for: In-depth reporting on social impact stories across the globe.
Journalist Amy Costello founded this investigative podcast in 2011. Since then Tiny Spark, now associated with Nonprofit Quarterly, has reported on issues ranging from criminal justice to medical school debt to the Me Too movement. Episodes come with links to additional news stories and opinion pieces on the podcast topic.
If you’re curious about a story in the headlines, or if you want a broader perspective on a question your nonprofit is facing, this is the place to go.
Start with:
- Two former international aid workers’ mission to confront the “white savior” complex.
- An honest exploration of the problems facing the home healthcare workforce.
- Inequality exposed in the college admissions process.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast
2. Wardrobe Crisis
Listen for: The many ways clothing and fashion can be used for social change.
The clothes we wear are connected to global networks in more ways than we realize. Founder Clare Press, a career advocate for ethical fashion, was the first sustainability editor at popular magazine Vogue. On Wardrobe Crisis she and her rotating guests take a dynamic look at how style intersects with environmentalism, ethics, economics, and culture. You may never look at your wardrobe the same way again.
Start with:
- Reducing textile waste with nonprofit founder Christina Dean of Redress.
- Australian organization “1 Million Women” combining forces to fight climate change.
- Designers, chefs, and scientists bringing the worlds of fashion and food together.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify Podcasts, Stitcher
3. First Day Podcast
Listen for: Bite-sized updates on philanthropy and fundraising.
Nonprofit professionals know the development, fundraising, and marketing worlds are always evolving. Stay on top of the latest news with the First Day Podcast, operated by Purdue University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Episodes are super short, between 10 and 11 minutes—the perfect brief interval on a busy day.
Start with:
- An interesting look at the gender differences in major giving.
- Eight myths about philanthropy in the United States.
- The unique challenges involved in fundraising internationally.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts
4. Nonprofits are Messy
Listen for: Down-to-earth advice on nonprofit best practices and management.
As a former executive director of LGBTQ advocacy organization GLAAD and fundraiser for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, podcast founder and consultant Joan Garry knows the “messiness” of nonprofits inside and out. On Nonprofits are Messy Garry talks to nonprofit professionals in multiple industries, answering every workplace question you thought to ask (and some you didn’t) with wit and humor.
Start with:
- The story of how one nonprofit dealt with rapid growth.
- The confessions of a self-proclaimed “terrible board member.“
- A primer on how to stop being afraid of asking for money.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Stitcher, RSS
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