Givers, Doers, & Thinkers—A Podcast on Philanthropy and Civil Society

Hosted by Jeremy Beer

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Givers, Doers, and Thinkers introduces listeners to the fascinating people and important ideas at the heart of American civil society. We speak with philanthropists, foundation leaders, reformers, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit executives, religious believers, historians, sociologists, philosophers, journalists, and anyone else who will help us understand contemporary civil society’s achievements and failures. We also sprinkle in practical advice for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers. This is the podcast for anyone interested in that vital space where philanthropy and civil society intersect.

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60 recent

May 27, 2026Episode 854 min

William A. Schambra & the power of everyday philanthropy

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy Beer sits down with William A. Schambra to explore the tension between establishment philanthropy and what he calls “everyday philanthropy”—the grassroots efforts that often go unnoticed but play a vital role in strengthening civil society.They discuss the influence of progressivism on modern giving and why top-down approaches can miss the real work happening in communities. He makes the case for trust-based philanthropy, local leadership, and a renewed focus on empowering individuals and neighborhoods to drive change from the ground up.Let’s go!Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/#podcast #interview #nonprofit #newepisodeCenter for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

May 20, 2026Episode 742 min

Nathan Bond & building beauty, business, and purposeful giving

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy Beer sits down with Nathan Bond, co-founder of Rifle Paper Company, to explore entrepreneurship, education, and philanthropy. Nathan reflects on how his personal experiences have shaped his approach to giving, the importance of clear criteria in philanthropy, and why investing in local communities remains essential.Let’s go!Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/#podcast #interview #nonprofit #newepisodeCenter for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

May 13, 2026Episode 645 min

Romanita Hairston & building stronger nonprofits through regional philanthropy

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy Beer sits down with Romanita Hairston, CEO of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, to explore the power and challenges of regional philanthropy. Reflecting on the legacy of Jack Murdock, Romanita shares how the Trust is investing in nonprofits through capacity building, leadership training, and a deeply relational approach to grantmaking. They discuss the shifting landscape of nonprofit funding, the growing pressure on organizations amid increasing demand, and why collaboration and innovation are more important than ever. Let’s go!Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/#podcast #interview #nonprofit #newepisodeCenter for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

May 6, 2026Episode 541 min

Sadie Elliott & the new playbook for Christian school funding

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy Beer sits down with Sadie Elliott, Director of the Herzog Foundation, to explore how innovative philanthropy is transforming K–12 Christian education. They discuss the challenges facing Christian school leaders, the importance of treating donors as mission-driven partners, and the measurable impact of strong donor development on long-term sustainability and growth. Let’s go!Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/Center for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

April 29, 2026Episode 444 min

Destiny Rojo & the future of small-town philanthropy

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy Beer sits down with Destiny Rojo of the PY Foundation to explore how place-based giving can transform a community. Rooted in the legacy of Peyton Yates, the Foundation is deeply invested in Artesia, New Mexico—supporting everything from education and public art to economic development and nonprofit growth. Destiny shares how local philanthropy strengthens community identity, and why unrestricted and operational funding matters. Let’s go!Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/#podcast #interview #nonprofit #newepisodeCenter for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

April 22, 2026Episode 337 min

Hanna Skandera & Reviving Civics in America

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy Beer sits down with Hanna Skandera, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund, to discuss the urgent need for renewed civics education as America approaches its 250th anniversary. Building on the legacy of Bill Daniels, Hanna shares how the Fund is investing in initiatives like the Civics Bee to inspire active citizenship and civic knowledge among young people nationwide.Let’s go!Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/#podcast #interview #nonprofit #newepisodeCenter for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

April 15, 2026Episode 243 min

Rob Hays & What Great Board Members Get Right

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy Beer sits down with Rob Hays—business leader, philanthropist, and nonprofit board member. Rob reflects on the experiences that shaped his resilience in business and his approach to philanthropy.They also dive into his work with institutions like the Ethics and Public Policy Center and the Aquinas Institute, and unpack what boards get right and where they often go wrong.Let’s go!Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/#podcast #interview #nonprofit #newepisodeCenter for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

April 8, 2026Episode 145 min

Steve Zabilski & Rethinking the Overhead Myth

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy Beer sits down with Steve Zabilski, president and CEO of the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, to explore how investing in fundraising and capacity can transform nonprofits. Drawing on his experience leading St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, Steve shares how bold bets on development and marketing led to sustained growth for the organization and its programs. Let’s go!Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/#podcast #interview #nonprofit #newepisodeCenter for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

April 6, 20260 min

Season 9 of the Givers, Doers, & Thinkers: America at 250, Part III

Season 9 of Givers, Doers, & Thinkers launches this Wednesday, April 8! 🎉This season, we’re celebrating the “Givers”—foundation leaders and individual donors who are transforming our country by giving to charities and organizations making a real difference.Join us as we explore why they give and where they choose to make an impact.Let’s go!Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/#podcast #interview #nonprofit #newepisodeCenter for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

December 3, 2025Episode 1041 min

Eric Cook & rescuing education from mediocrity

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy Beer sits down with Eric Cook, president and CEO of the Society for Classical Learning, to discuss the remarkable rise of classical education and its impact on American schooling. Eric unpacks the philosophy behind classical learning—its focus on wisdom, virtue, and human flourishing—and explains why so many families are turning to this timeless approach amid today’s cultural and educational challenges. Let’s go! Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/.#interview #podcast #newepisode #nonprofitCenter for Civil Society's YouTube Channel