Soapbox Engage Blog

Originally known as "autoblogs," podcasting dates all the way back to the 1980s, but they really began to gain traction in 2004 with the introduction of portable digital audio devices like the iPod. About 57% of the US population listens to audio podcasts regularly today.

Why are podcasts so popular and compelling? Humans love stories, and we tend to remember information easier when it's communicated as part of a narrative. Podcasts tend to include more storytelling and narrative communication, allowing people to engage with content uniquely and effectively.

Podcasts are ideal for learning and gleaning new insight and information while "on the go." This is especially beneficial for busy development professionals. Whether you've got time during your commute or while stuffing envelopes for your next direct mail fundraising campaign, there's always a little time to turn on a podcast.

That's why we created a list of the top podcasts nonprofit leaders and fundraisers should listen to! From short "quick tips" to long-form lectures, there's something for everyone in the podcasting world!

Table of Contents

• 4 reasons fundraisers should listen to podcasts
• Top 10 podcasts for nonprofits and development professionals

4 Reasons Fundraisers Should Listen To Podcasts

Before we dive into the great podcasts we love, let's take a quick look at four reasons every nonprofit leader and development professional should add podcasts to their regular routine.

1. Stay informed on industry trends and critical information

You're busy, and it's hard enough to stay on top of your existing to-do list. Online podcasts make it easier to stay informed and learn new things in the nonprofit world without spending time reading books and blogs or attending conferences. Glean insider tips and keep the opinion of nonprofit experts right at your fingertips.

2. Listen to good stories to hone your storytelling skills

Podcasts are a form of storytelling. Really, it's a return to the age-old art of verbal storytelling. As you know, storytelling is an essential skill for development professionals. So, adding a few storytelling podcasts to your rotation can help you hone your skills for telling great fundraising stories.

3. Podcasts address everything from time management to personal development

Beyond professional development, many podcasts offer wisdom and insight about everything from time management and self-care strategies to habit-building and work-from-home tips. Whatever areas you'd like to grow in, devoting just a little bit of time each week to these topics can help you maintain (or develop) a healthy, balanced, sustainable life.

4. Reduce screen time

Podcasts are an alternative to television or other screen-based forms of entertainment. Like movies or tv, podcasts require very little energy, but they don't cause the same eye strain. And, some studies show that the brain is more active while listening to podcasts than while you're watching tv! With more and more tasks taking place on the computer, you might be looking for some strategies to cut down on your screen-time.

Top 10 Podcasts for Nonprofits and Development Professionals

Now that we've (hopefully) convinced you that podcasts are a valuable addition to your regular routine, we rounded up some great podcasts for fundraisers and nonprofit professionals.

1. A Modern Nonprofit Podcast

Hosted by Tosha Anderson from The Charity CFO, each episode of A Modern Nonprofit offers a lighthearted and informative discussion about nonprofit trends, fundraising ideas and approaches, growth strategies, and much more.

2. Beyond the To-Do List

If your goal is to stay productive, find fulfillment, and somehow cultivate a healthy work-life balance, the Beyond the To-Do List podcast is for you. Erik Fisher interviews productivity experts like Gretchen Rubin to discuss topics ranging from increasing efficiency in your day to finding fulfillment in your work. Each expert shares how they implement practical productivity strategies in their personal and professional lives. The end goal is that we all learn to live a meaningful life!

3. Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Hosted by Dr. Rob Harter, the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast addresses essential topics, trends, challenges, and opportunities facing modern nonprofit leaders and people engaged in social change. Listen to interviews with founders and CEOs of all kinds of nonprofits to hear their personal experiences and perspectives. Learn about strategies and practices that made them successful and impactful leaders.

4. Nonprofits Are Messy

Billing itself as the "Dear Abby" of the nonprofit world, the Nonprofits Are Messy podcast offers an honest discussion about the most pressing issues nonprofit leaders currently face. Hosted by Joan Garry, she and her guests aren't afraid to talk about everything, including the best way to run special events, how to make big "asks" in fundraising, navigating board-staff relationships, and much more. It's real, raw, funny, uplifting, helpful, and honest.

5. The First Day Podcast

The First Day Podcast highlights current news and research in short. These 10-minute weekly podcasts aim to provide development professionals with the latest information in fundraising and philanthropy. It covers topics like a recent study on affluent donors, how to show gratitude while fundraising, and other relevant fundraising topics.

6. Fixing Fundraising: Hashing Out The Big Problems

In the Fixing Fundraising podcast, Tom DeFraine and Andy King hash out the biggest problems in the nonprofit world. Tom and Andy interview guests from all over the world about improving the art and business of fundraising. Whether it's power dynamics with donors or design principles, they're not afraid to discuss any topic, no matter how big, messy, or daunting.

7. Impact Boom

Each week, the Impact Boom podcast interviews top social innovators, entrepreneurs, change-makers, designers, educators, and other leaders to share their personal stories of growth, innovation, impact, and inspiration. All the discussions are focused on creating lasting, positive social and environmental change.

8. The Nonprofit Optimist Podcast

Get all the behind-the-scenes details from nonprofit professionals on The Nonprofit Optimist. Each podcast features success stories and words of encouragement from nonprofit leaders who are starting, running, and expanding small nonprofits to make a big difference in the world. Recent topics include effective project planning, volunteer engagement, and self-care amid the ongoing pandemic impact. There's something for everyone in this podcast!

9. The New Activist

The goal of The New Activist podcast is to highlight individuals who devote their lives to battling injustices and inequity in our world. It's an uplifting, inspiring, motivating, and educational podcast as Eddie Kaufholz interviews activists, social innovators, and nonprofit professionals. It's the perfect podcast for anyone who wants to hear from fellow change agents working hard to make the world a better place.

10. Next In Nonprofits

The Next in Nonprofits podcast covers everything from tools and technologies to trends for nonprofit growth. Steve Boland interviews guests about everything from nonprofit online security to microdonations and outside partners. This podcast will help you stay up to date on all the best ideas for social good.

Now that you've got your iTunes or Spotify loaded and ready to go, we hope you're feeling motivated, inspired, and equipped for even greater nonprofit success!

Here are three more resources to help you continue making a difference in the world.

• Grassroots Marketing Basics for Nonprofits: Grassroots marketing campaigns can be an effective way for nonprofits to raise awareness about their cause, expand their support base, and even raise money. This blog offers an intro guide to help you get the basics of grassroots marketing for your nonprofit and some examples of what it could look like.
• 5 Tools to Make Nonprofit Event Planning Easier: Many nonprofits rely on big fundraising events to bring in large sums of money. But planning and executing major events is quite an undertaking! So, head over to this blog for some great tools, tips, and resources to help save you time and make event planning just a little easier.
• 9 Ways To Improve Your Nonprofit Email Subject Lines: In the process of writing an excellent fundraising email, don't overlook the power of a great email subject line. It sets the tone for your email and can impact whether your readers open it and donate or delete and move on. This blog offers some insights about writing great subject lines that will boost your open rates for your next email appeal campaign.