Social Impact Leader

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121

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Jun 2025

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About the show

The Social Impact Leader Podcast explores the ambitious world of change-makers through interviews with pioneers in business, sports, activism, and entertainment. Hosted by Jeff Shinabarger, founder of Plywood People - get curious about the balance between empathy and productivity. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or simply curious about making a difference, this podcast will be your guide.

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June 26, 202553 min

Layers of Leadership

On this episode of SIL, we’re joined by the new Executive Director of Plywood People, Matt Reynolds. Matt leads the conversation with a powerful lineup of leaders: Jeff Shinabarger, Founder of Plywood People; Chanel Dokun, co-founder of Healthy Minds NYC, a therapy and coaching practice; and Christina Cummings, Executive Director of Kids2Leaders. Together, they reflect on their experiences in Plywood’s “Layers” program—a space designed to help leaders go deeper, build strong models for their organizations, and face the hard questions that come with leadership. Jeff shares the inspiration behind creating the Layers program, and the group explores the unique sense of community it fosters among both nonprofit and for-profit leaders. If you’ve ever longed for a space where you can be honest about the challenges of leadership, this episode is for you. https://www.plywoodpeople.com/layers Follow: instagram.com/plywoodpeople plywoodpeople.com This Podcast is brought to you by WABE, part of the NPR Network. wabe.org/podcasts Edited By: DJ OP Diggy Produced By: LaTasha Brown Music By: Jude ReynoldsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January 1, 202532 min

Wrapping it Up, with LaTasha and Jeff

In the season finale of the Social Impact Leaders Podcast, host Jeff Shinabarger takes the guest seat as producer LaTasha Brown flips the script and interviews him. They dive into Jeff's journey as the founder and executive director of Plywood People, reflecting on the organization's 15-year impact and the progress it has made. Jeff shares his vision for the future, insights on leadership, and the transformative experiences from his recent sabbatical. Don’t miss this inspiring and candid conversation to close out the season. Follow: instagram.com/socialimpactleader socialimpactleader.com Follow: instagram.com/plywoodpeople plywoodpeople.com This Podcast is brought to you by WABE, part of the NPR Network. wabe.org/podcasts Edited By: DJ OP Diggy Produced By: LaTasha Brown Music By: DJ OP DiggySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

December 18, 202420 min

Social Impact Leader Series ft. Chantel Cohen

In today’s episode of the Plywood Presents Social Impact Leader Series, we wrap up with our inspiring guest, Chantel Cohen—a licensed therapist and business coach. Chantel shares her insights on the vital connection between maintaining mental health and managing the demands of running a business. She also opens up about the challenges she’s faced as both a business leader and a therapist, explaining how these experiences have shaped her journey and amplified her impact as a Social Impact Leader. Follow: instagram.com/socialimpactleader socialimpactleader.com Follow: instagram.com/plywoodpeople plywoodpeople.com This Podcast is brought to you by WABE, part of the NPR Network. wabe.org/podcasts Edited By: DJ OP Diggy Produced By: LaTasha Brown Music By: DJ OP DiggySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

December 11, 202434 min

Social Impact Leader Series ft. Aaron Fender, Doug Shipman, and Erika Brown

On today’s episode of the Social Impact Leaders Podcast we return to the Plywood Presents SIL Series with an inspiring panel featuring three remarkable social impact leaders: Aaron Fender, Co-founder and CEO of Portrait Coffee; Doug Shipman, President of Atlanta’s City Council; and Ericka Brown, Realtor, Entrepreneur, and Investor. This dynamic discussion explores starting from the ground up, navigating tough leadership decisions, and challenging the status quo. As we approach the conclusion of this series, we hope to leave you with deeper insights into the transformative power of social impact leadership.Tune in and be inspired! Follow: instagram.com/socialimpactleader socialimpactleader.com Follow: instagram.com/plywoodpeople plywoodpeople.com This Podcast is brought to you by WABE, part of the NPR Network. wabe.org/podcasts Edited By: DJ OP Diggy Produced By: LaTasha Brown Music By: DJ OP DiggySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

December 4, 202417 min

Social Impact Leader Series ft. Leroy Barber

This week, we continue our Social Impact Leader series, featuring incredible voices from the Plywood Social Impact Leaders event. Our guest is Leroy Barber, Executive Director of Word Made Flesh Ministries and former president of Mission Year and Focused Community Strategies (FCS) Urban Ministries. Leroy shares valuable insights on sustaining leadership in the nonprofit sector and delivers motivational advice for aspiring social impact leaders. Tune in and get inspired! Follow: instagram.com/socialimpactleader socialimpactleader.com Follow: instagram.com/plywoodpeople plywoodpeople.com Learn more: southface.org This Podcast is brought to you by WABE, part of the NPR Network. wabe.org/podcasts Edited By: DJ OP Diggy Produced By: LaTasha Brown Music By: DJ OP DiggySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 20, 202412 min

Social Impact Leader Series ft. Jeff Shinabarger

In this episode, and throughout the next few, we’ll bring you insights from inspiring leaders who spoke at Plywood’s Social Impact Leaders Event. Kicking off this series is Jeff Shinabarger, founder of Plywood and host of the Social Impact Leaders Podcast. Jeff shares valuable lessons on the importance of stepping into the role of a social impact leader and emphasizes why prioritizing mental health is essential for sustaining both yourself and your organization. Don’t miss this impactful series—tune in now! Follow: instagram.com/socialimpactleader socialimpactleader.com Follow: instagram.com/plywoodpeople plywoodpeople.com This Podcast is brought to you by WABE, part of the NPR Network. wabe.org/podcasts Edited By: DJ OP Diggy Produced By: LaTasha Brown Music By: DJ OP DiggySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 13, 202450 min

What The Fundraising with Mallory Erickson

In today’s episode, Jeff sits down with Mallory Erickson—fundraiser, author, and executive coach—to explore her journey and groundbreaking strategies in the world of fundraising. Mallory delves into the power of aligning fundraising practices with personal values and the value of fostering genuine relationships with donors. She addresses the drawbacks of transactional fundraising methods, shedding light on how they can hinder donor engagement and lead to fundraiser burnout. Together, Jeff and Mallory share their own experiences with burnout and the steps they took to overcome it. Tune in to discover fresh approaches to community-driven fundraising! Follow: instagram.com/socialimpactleader socialimpactleader.com Follow: instagram.com/plywoodpeople plywoodpeople.com Learn More: https://malloryerickson.com/book/ This Podcast is brought to you by WABE, part of the NPR Network. wabe.org/podcasts Edited By: DJ OP Diggy Produced By: LaTasha Brown Music By: DJ OP DiggySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 6, 202438 min

Redefining Capital with Mark Hubbard

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Mark Hubbard, the visionary leader behind Renew Venture Capital. Mark shares his deep commitment to social impact investing, aligning venture capital with sustainable growth and measurable positive impact. Together, they dive into his unique approach, blending finance expertise with a passion for empowering underrepresented founders and communities. Curious about how Mark is redefining capital to build a more inclusive and resilient future? Tune in to find out! Follow: instagram.com/socialimpactleader socialimpactleader.com Follow: instagram.com/plywoodpeople plywoodpeople.com Learn More: renewvc.com/ This Podcast is brought to you by WABE, part of the NPR Network. wabe.org/podcasts Edited By: DJ OP Diggy Produced By: LaTasha Brown Music By: DJ OP DiggySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 30, 202447 min

Busy Is A Four-Letter-Word with Kishshana Palmer

On today’s episode, Jeff speaks with Kishshana Palmer—speaker, TEDx alum, and author of Busy is a Four-Letter Word. Kishshana dives into reigniting passion, embracing purpose without second-guessing, and navigating the unique tensions faced by social impact leaders. She shares valuable insights on making intentional choices to reduce stress, creating more freedom and impact as a leader. Plus, Kishshana offers an inside look at her new book, exploring how it empowers leaders to thrive in their roles. Follow: instagram.com/socialimpactleader socialimpactleader.com Follow: instagram.com/plywoodpeople plywoodpeople.com Learn More: kishshanapalmer.com/about This Podcast is brought to you by WABE, part of the NPR Network. wabe.org/podcasts Edited By: DJ OP Diggy Produced By: LaTasha Brown Music By: DJ OP DiggySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 23, 202450 min

Re-Imagine Solutions with Ali Horriyat

In this episode, Jeff interviews Ali Horriyat, founder of Comppastive, a non-profit focused on building a more compassionate society. Ali reflects on his journey as a successful day trader, how it brought him wealth but not fulfillment, and how his views on money and human value have evolved. He also offers insights on the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the need for long-term, permanent solutions to societal problems. This thought-provoking conversation is a must-listen! Follow: instagram.com/socialimpactleader socialimpactleader.com Follow: instagram.com/plywoodpeople plywoodpeople.com Learn More: https://compassiviste.com/ This Podcast is brought to you by WABE, part of the NPR Network. wabe.org/podcasts Edited By: DJ OP Diggy Produced By: LaTasha Brown Music By: DJ OP DiggySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.