Beyond The Blog

Hosted by The Patterson Foundation

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123

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Patterson Foundation drives meaningful change through strategic philanthropy by building relationships, fostering collaboration, and sharing knowledge. Moving beyond its weekly blog posts, the Foundation offers Beyond The Blog podcasts to inform and engage listeners while sharing compelling stories of people, organizations, and communities strengthened by its initiatives. Listen to Beyond The Blog podcasts on Apple Podcasts , Spotify and iHeartRadio .

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60 recent

October 13, 202625 min

Community at the Center: Wendy Deming on Listening, Learning, and Leading

Growing Together: North River highlights the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping the future of North River Manatee County. Each episode shares real stories and local insights that reveal what matters most to residents and how communities grow stronger by listening and working together. In this episode of Growing Together: North River , host Alicia Chalmers talks with Wendy Deming, CEO of the Bishop Parker Foundation and a respected Suncoast leader for twenty‑five years, who shares the Foundation’s rich place‑based history and its deep commitment to Manatee County. We explore North River Manatee County’s rapid growth and diversity, the origins of the Growing Together initiative, and why the partnership with The Harwood Institute has become such a powerful force for community‑centered change. Wendy reflects on the recent Harwood Public Innovators Lab, where more than fifty people came together to focus on North River Manatee County. She highlights the newly released Growing Together in North River report built directly from conversations with residents and local leaders. She reminds us that the tent is open to all; every voice and aspiration matters in shaping North River Manatee County’s shared future. Whether you live, work, or play in North River, this podcast invites you into meaningful conversations about where we are and how we can grow together. Timestamps 1:12 — What Is the North River Region? 2:29 — Bishop-Parker Foundation’s Legacy in Manatee County 5:57 — Why North River Became the Focus 10:45 — How Bishop-Parker, The Patterson Foundation & The Harwood Institute Aligned 13:46 — What the Growing Together Report Revealed 17:45 — How the Harwood Approach Is Being Put Into Practice 20:16 — The Vision for North River’s Future 22:21 — Why Your Voice Matters in Shaping the Community Links to Learn More NRMC Initiative Description NRMC Harwood Report Blog: Community at the Center: Wendy Deming on Listening, Learning, and Leading Connect Beyond The Blog Wendy McCarthy Deming Bishop-Parker Foundation Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog ! Join The Journey

October 13, 202618 min

Karen Windon Shares About the Low Stakes and Big Rewards of THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School

Karen Windon , consultant with The Patterson Foundation, joins host Leah Verier-Dunn on Connecting Communities to talk about THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School . Developed out of necessity during the pandemic, this initiative sprouted with overwhelming success. Karen shares about the evolution of this initiative and how it’s grown into a prominent program for teachers in the Suncoast region, reaching tens of thousands of students over the years and serving as a great home-school connector. Timestamps 00:28 - Introduction to Karen Windon 01:15 - Karen explains what THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School is and how it came to be 02:38 - Karen notes the reading gap THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School continues to fill 04:05 - How is this program worth teachers’ time? 06:07 - How does this program help kids learn outside of the classroom with their families at home? 09:33 - Karen discusses the data of how many teachers and classrooms are involved in this year’s THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School program 11:42 - What is required of teachers to join the program? 13:01 - Karen explains how THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School aligns with the overall Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading initiative 16:12 - Karen shares her final statements, noting the rewarding feedback she’s received regarding THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School Links to Learn More THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School Teacher Resources THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School Registration Blog: THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School: Low Stakes. Big Reward. Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog ! Join The Journey

October 9, 202624 min

Young Voices and Elections: Kennedy and Avery Cole Share Why We Need to Listen

Kennedy and Avery Cole, two young Sarasota County ( almost) voters, joined host Leah Verier-Dunn on the Civic Sparks podcast to talk about the efforts of future voters in our region and why we should listen to them. Hear about the civic involvement of teens, their influence on local elections, and why those 16+ should preregister to vote. Timestamps 00:13 Introducing Avery and Kennedy Cole, Students at Sarasota County Schools 02:12 What Inspired Their Civic Engagement 04:07 Encouraging More Young People to Use Their Voices 07:00 Responding to Adults Who Dismiss Young Voices 10:02 Having Civil Conversations With People Who Disagree 13:50 Helping Young People Find Their Own Way to Get Involved 15:16 The Power of Peer-to-Peer Civic Engagement 18:17 Engaging Young People Beyond Election Cycles 21:30 Turning Passion and Awareness Into Action 23:14 Why Preregistering to Vote Matters Links to Learn More Register to Vote Find Ballot Information Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog ! Join The Journey

October 7, 202635 min

Beyond the Spectrum: Building Sustainable Revenue Through Margin & Mission Ignition With Lora and Loryn Carpenter

Beyond the Spectrum knew that expanding its mission would require more than grants and charitable giving. Through The Patterson Foundation’s Margin & Mission Ignition initiative, the organization launched two earned-income ventures, an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Clinic and H.I.V.E (Helping Individuals Through Vocation & Enrichment), that have generated more than $10 million in revenue while creating new opportunities for the individuals and families it serves. Host Read Corley is joined by Lora and Loryn Carpenter, who share how outside guidance, detailed business planning, accountability, and a willingness to start small helped Beyond the Spectrum turn ambitious ideas into sustainable ventures. Timestamps 01:38 Why Beyond the Spectrum explored earned income 04:58 Why an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) clinic was the right first venture 13:11 Raising startup capital and preparing for the Fast Pitch 15:47 The ripple effects of the first MMI venture 20:02 Why Beyond the Spectrum launched H.I.V.E 22:26 How MMI changed the organization’s approach to innovation 26:20 The impact of more than $10 million in earned revenue 28:38 The personal impact of H.I.V.E. (Helping Individuals Through Vocation & Enrichment) 30:31 Advice for nonprofits considering earned income Links to Learn More Beyond The Spectrum Website Margin & Mission Ignition website Blog: How Earned Income Helped Beyond the Spectrum Expand Its Mission Connect Beyond The Blog Beyond the Spectrum Lora Carpenter LinkedIn Loryn Carpenter LinkedIn Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog ! Join The Journey

September 25, 202630 min

Trust and Accessibility: Supervisor of Elections, Ron Turner, on the Elections Process in Sarasota County

What really goes into running an election? Leah Verier-Dunn sits down with Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner for a behind-the-scenes look at the people, processes, and planning involved in helping voters confidently participate in an election. From creating and tracking different ballot styles to reaching young voters, expanding voting accessibility, and assisting voters in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals, Ron shares some of the work voters may never see. The conversation also explores voter confidence and misinformation, how voting options have evolved, and what Sarasota County voters should know before the next election. Timestamps 0:00 Introducing Ron Turner, Supervisor of Elections, Sarasota County 0:52 What does the Supervisor of Elections do? 3:56 What it takes to run an election in Sarasota County 7:58 Voter outreach and engaging young voters 12:58 Building voter confidence and combating misinformation 15:53 Voter turnout and how Sarasota County residents vote 19:02 How different ballot styles are created and tracked 20:59 How voting options have evolved and increased accessibility 23:18 Helping nursing home, assisted living, and hospitalized voters 27:29 What voters should know before the next election Links to Learn More https://www.sarasotavotes.gov/ Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog ! Join The Journey

September 23, 202653 min

Suncoast Remake Learning Days: The Inside Scoop with Neirda, Becky-Sue, Justin & Amanda

In this episode of Connecting Communities, Leah Verier-Dunn is talking about Suncoast Remake Learning Days with four fabulous, long-time hosts, one from each county. Guests include Neirda Thompson-Pemberton , Executive Director of Funducation; Becky-Sue Mercer , Executive Director of Arcadia Housing Authority; Justin Gomlak , Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall; and Amanda Clyatt , Title I Achievement and Family Associate at Sallie Jones Elementary. Timestamps 00:28 – Meet Amanda Clyatt of Sallie Jones Elementary 02:22 – How Sallie Jones Got Involved With Suncoast Remake Learning Days 05:06 – How Community Partnerships Extend the Impact Beyond SRLD Funding 07:05 – The Ripple Effects of Suncoast Remake Learning Days 11:44 – Meet Becky-Sue Mercer of Arcadia Housing Authority 13:12 – Engaging Families Beyond Suncoast Remake Learning Days 16:05 – What Strengthens Multigenerational Family Engagement? 17:56 – Partnerships Powering Learning and Family Activities 25:34 – Meet Neirda Thompson-Pemberton of FUNducation 29:15 – How FUNducation Got Involved With Suncoast Remake Learning Days 31:04 – How Parent Involvement Has Grown Over the Years 32:50 – Turning Esports Into a Learning Experience Through Partnerships 34:56 – How FUNducation Builds Community Partnerships 39:24 – Meet Justin Gomlak of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 39:24 – Meet Justin Gomlak of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 43:18 – Justin’s Favorite Suncoast Remake Learning Days Events & Partnerships 48:27 – How to Engage Both Children and Adults at Your SRLD Event 49:49 – Justin’s Advice for Future Hosts, Partners & Families Links to Learn More Suncoast Remake Learning Days Neirda Thompson-Pemberton Becky-Sue Mercer Justin Gomlak Amanda Clyatt Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog ! Join The Journey

August 31, 202620 min

Finding Purpose at Any Age: A Conversation with Mrs. Norma Kennedy on Community and Service

Growing Together: North River highlights the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping the future of North River Manatee County. Each episode shares real stories and local insights that reveal what matters most to residents and how communities grow stronger by listening and working together. In this episode of Growing Together: North River , host Alicia Chalmers talks with Norma Kennedy, a lifelong resident and community leader, and octogenarian who rediscovered her purpose after a season of deep personal grief. Norma shares her dedication and servant leadership to North River Manatee County, and how it is fueled by her desire to preserve what makes the community special while helping it evolve to meet the needs of future generations. She sees her service as a way to honor her roots, support her neighbors, and contribute to a shared vision for a stronger, more connected North River. Whether you live, work, or play in North River, this podcast invites you into meaningful conversations about where we are and how we can grow together. Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction 1:17 – What Is North River Manatee County? 3:45 – What Inspired Norma to Join a New Civic Path Book Circle? 4:32 – Finding Purpose Through Community Action 8:30 – How the Harwood Institute Helps Communities Create Change 9:14 – Listening to the Community: Growing Together in North River Manatee County 10:10 – Harwood Labs: Learning to Lead Community Change 11:40 – Shifting Your Mindset to Put People First 12:43 – Turning Outward: Putting People and Communities First 14:36 – Honoring Norma's Leadership and Community Impact Links to Learn More North River Manatee County Initiative Description North River Manatee County Harwood Report Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog . Join The Journey

August 20, 202642 min

School Attendance Matters: Susan Flores and Donna Puhalovich Share How Engaging Families and Communities Helps Children Reach Success

In this episode of Connecting Communities, host Leah Verier-Dunn is joined by Donna Puhalovich from the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) and Susan Flores , Coordinator of Social Work and Mental Health Services with Charlotte County Public Schools, to talk about one of SCGLR’s core pillars, attendance ! Together, they discuss two different initiatives: the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest and Motivating Improved Attendance. Each guest shares their insight on the impact of these initiatives and how both have strengthened efforts to improve attendance across the Suncoast region. Timestamps 00:47 - Introduction to Donna Puhalovich 01:07 - What is the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest? 02:05 - Why attendance is a big deal 07:27 - What students do after receiving a poster template 15:06 - How schools can participate in the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest 15:58 - Donna’s final thoughts: Consistent attendance creates a strong student. 19:19 - Introduction to Susan Flores - How social work relates to attendance 20:26 - How the pandemic shifted concerns about attendance and in-person learning 21:09 - Chronic absenteeism. What is it and why is it a big deal? 28:43 - Criteria and purpose of Motivating Improved Attendance (MIA) Program 33:00 - Successful community messaging: the March Madness competition of attendance 40:20 - Susan’s final thoughts: Attendance is primary and foundational Links to Learn More Donna Puhalovich Susan Flores Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading | Attendance Attendance Awareness Poster Contest Motivating Improved Attendance Connect Beyond The Blog Donna Puhalovich Susan Flores Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog ! Join The Journey

August 18, 202623 min

Taking Fundraising to the Next Level with Fueling Dynamic Fundraising and Rebekah Prieto

What happens after you complete Fueling Dynamic Fundraising? Rebekah Prieto, Director of Development and Marketing at Parenting Matters, joins the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast to share how the program helped her organization strengthen its fundraising infrastructure and put new strategies into action. Rebekah discusses what she learned through Fueling Dynamic Fundraising, from donor stewardship and board engagement to annual planning and building a case for support. She also shares how the program’s ongoing education and one-on-one consulting helped Parenting Matters develop a major donor program, strengthen donor relationships, and create a more intentional approach to fundraising. Hear how Parenting Matters turned the lessons from Fueling Dynamic Fundraising into systems and strategies that continue to shape the organization more than a year later. Timestamps 00:39 What is Fueling Dynamic Fundraising? 01:27 Why Rebekah chose to participate 02:42 What an experienced fundraiser relearned 03:51 Helping board members engage in fundraising 08:54 The value of one-on-one fundraising consulting 11:58 Donor stewardship, case for support, and annual planning 13:47 Building an intentional fundraising calendar 18:09 Creating a culture of philanthropy across the organization 20:28 Rebekah’s biggest accomplishments since the program 21:32 How Parenting Matters’ fundraising has changed Connect Beyond The Blog Rebekah Prieto on LinkedIn Links to learn more Blog: Building the Foundation for Stronger Fundraising Fueling Dynamic Fundraising Initiative Webpage Indiana Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Website Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

August 10, 202623 min

Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: Beth Duda on A Walk to Respect

On this episode of Civic Sparks, Leah Verier-Dunn and Beth Duda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading and playwright, talked about the acclaimed one-act play, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect . A staged reading and powerful theatrical experience, Beth and Leah discuss the impact of this opportunity to look back at our country’s history through an artistic lens that provides space to take a deeper dive. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass had opposing views and lived very different lives, but through deep listening and consideration, they found themselves at the meeting place of respect. This effort led to an unsuspecting friendship, and Beth’s discovery of this friendship inspired the crafting of A Walk to Respect. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:44 How A Walk to Respect Began 05:12 Lincoln and Douglass: Different Views, Mutual Respect 09:36 What Makes the Play Unique 10:49 The Post-Show Discussion Experience 13:11 How Audiences Have Responded 16:29 Creating Conversation Without Blame 18:09 Where the Play Goes Next 20:38 What Lincoln and Douglass Can Teach Us Today Links to Learn More Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect Voter Education Initiative Ticket Information for A Walk To Respect Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog ! Join The Journey

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