First You Talk

Hosted by Central Florida Foundation

Society CultureInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Feb 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The First You Talk podcast is about taking complex problems that affect Central Floridians and guiding listeners to understand the issue in a digestible way and come out of each episode being better informed, experiencing an increase in empathy toward others, and the ability to discuss these difficult problems in a thoughtful way. Ready to up your knowledge game? Let's get started. Produced by Central Florida Foundation.

Listen to episodes

30 recent

February 13, 2026Episode 2450 min

Episode 24: Maternal Health Disparities

Send us Fan MailThis episode explores maternal health disparities, highlighting the challenges local women face and the opportunities for meaningful change. Hear from Jennie Joseph, midwife and founder of Commonsense Childbirth, and Kim Nguyen Gray, Chair of 100 Women Strong.Kim shares how 100 Women Strong arrived at its 2026 grantee decision of investing in maternal health through Commonsense Childbirth.Visit the First You Talk website.Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram.As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

January 21, 2026Episode 2342 min

Episode 23: Trends in Philanthropy for 2026

Send us Fan MailMark and Laurie talk through three charitable giving trends they expect to see in 2026. Plus, Mark breaks down the generations and their typical giving behavior.You'll hear from:Mark Brewer, President/CEO, Central Florida FoundationLaurie Crocker, VP of Strategic Communications, Central Florida FoundationMentioned in episode:100 Women Strong giving circleMagical Dining Press ReleaseAddition Financial Press ReleaseA deeper dive into collective giving data and trendsPhilanosVisit the First You Talk website.Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram.As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

December 30, 2025Episode 221 hr 34 min

Episode 22: An Update on the Housing Crisis

Send us Fan MailThis episode of First You Talk re-examines housing from new angles: landlord engagement, private sector affordable housing development, and updates on housing trends and data.Guests:Mark Brewer, President/CEO | Central Florida FoundationSandi Vidal, VP of Community Strategies and Initiatives | Central Florida FoundationNiki Wilkerson, Co-Founder | Connections Ministry Nikhai's ClosetRyan von Weller, COO | Wendover Housing PartnersBrian Postlewait, COO | Homeless Services NetworkAnna Ashie, Director of Housing Operations | Homeless Services NetworkVisit the First You Talk website.Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram.As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

December 30, 20251 min

We're back for Season 3!

Send us Fan MailSeason 3 of Central Florida Foundation's First You Talk podcast is back on January 7th!Visit the First You Talk website.Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram.As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

November 11, 2025Episode 2131 min

Trust and Transparency: What happened with GoFundMe's nonprofit pages?

Send us Fan MailThis episode of First You Talk wasn't on our schedule of episodes...but after GoFundMe published nonprofit pages in October without the knowledge or consent of millions of organizations, we had to talk about it and its impact on trust and transparency in the nonprofit world.Laurie discusses discovering Central Florida Foundation's nonprofit page and CFF's subsequent actions, then Steve (a newcomer to our team!) and Sandi talk about the implications.Guests:Sandi Vidal, CFF's Vice President of Community Strategies and InitiativesSteven J. Jerina, CFF's Vice President of Philanthropic Strategies and PartnershipsVisit the First You Talk website.Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram.As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

October 13, 2025Episode 2032 min

20. Understanding Endowment Funds

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of First You Talk: Navigating Generosity, we explore the endowment fund - how it works, considerations, and best practices.How does an endowment work? Is it really meant to last “forever”? What happens if the nonprofit selected for an endowment closes? What are best practices that can make the most of an endowed fund?Two philanthropic advisors dive into these questions and more!You'll hear from:Mark Brewer, CAP® | President/CEO, Central Florida FoundationDavid Torre, J.D., CEPA®, CFP®, AEP®, TEP®, CAP® | Wealth and Philanthropic StrategistVisit the First You Talk website.Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram.As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

July 31, 2025Episode 191 hr 9 min

19. Inside the LGBTQ+ Experience in Central Florida

Send us Fan MailLGBTQ+ is an acronym we all recognize—but how much do we really understand about the people, the history, and the evolving community it represents here in Central Florida?In this episode, we explore the LGBTQ+ landscape through stories of personal resilience, community impact, and forward-looking change. From the legacy of the Pulse tragedy to new models of care and what it means to be an ally, you’ll hear from voices shaping the region today.Whether you’re part of the community or simply want to better understand your neighbors, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a fresh perspective on a vital part of Central Florida’s story.Guests:Tom Dyer, WatermarkGeorge Wallace, The CenterYasmin Flasterstein, Peer Support SpaceFrom CFF:Sandi Vidal, VP of Community Strategies and InitiativesNeil Rios Laverde, Philanthropic Relationship ManagerVisit the First You Talk website.Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram.As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

June 13, 2025Episode 1834 min

18. Navigating Generosity: Charitable Gift Annuities

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Navigating Generosity, Nicole Donelson sits down with David Torre to explore how charitable gift annuities (CGAs) can enhance the value you bring to client conversations. From retirement income strategies to charitable tax deductions, CGAs offer a unique way to align financial planning with philanthropic goals.You’ll walk away with practical talking points, planning considerations, and a better understanding of how the Central Florida Foundation can serve as a trusted partner—not just for executing CGAs, but as an extension of your advisory team in philanthropic planning.🎧 Whether you’re guiding clients through retirement or legacy decisions, this episode will equip you with the tools to introduce CGAs with confidence.Guests:David Torre, CEPA®, CFP®, AEP®, TEP®, CAP® | Wealth & Philanthropy StrategistNicole Donelson, CAP® | Director of Community Engagement, AdventHealthNavigating Generosity is an off-shoot of First You Talk, Central Florida Foundation's podcast focused on breaking down complex social issues. Navigating Generosity episodes are designed for professional advisors and anyone who wants to be better informed when discussing charitable giving with their advisors. Our hosts include Chartered Advisors in Philanthropy® and other professionals in this field, including wealth and financial advisors.Visit the First You Talk website.Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram.As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

May 20, 2025Episode 1734 min

17. Navigating Generosity: Donor-Advised Funds

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Navigating Generosity, dive into a popular charitable giving tool: the donor-advised fund (DAF). With this broad overview, you'll learn the differences between a DAF and a private foundation, understand what a DAF can and cannot do, and why a DAF might make sense for a client. You'll walk away from this episode feeling more confident in your knowledge of this powerful philanthropic tool.Visit the First You Talk website.Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram.As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

April 11, 2025Episode 1657 min

16. Conserving Wild Florida

Send us Fan MailConservation is a word we all grew up knowing, but what does it really mean and how does it relate to other big topics we've discussed on the podcast?Lean into a conversation that covers an array of conservation issues and projects, from Eastern Indigo snakes and land acquisition to Florida's aquifer and efforts to create a Florida Wildlife Corridor, this episode will bring clarity to an overwhelming word, equipping you to talk knowledgably on the topics and engage in additional learning if something piques your interest.Guests:Mark Brewer, Central Florida FoundationDr. James Bogan, Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the Orianne Center for Indigo ConservationJay Exum, Wildlife Biologist, Consultant, Nonprofit Board Member and PhilanthropistTraci Deen, Conservation FloridaVisit the First You Talk website.Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram.As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing