The P2P Soapbox

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Nov 2026

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As peer-to-peer fundraising professionals, we are inherently passionate people. Passionate about our missions, our fundraisers, our events, and our campaigns. We barely shy away from sharing our opinions. Whether it's the debate between back-to-basics, or searching for the next big idea, the battle of retention versus recruitment, or even our very strong feelings about T-shirts and registration fees. Welcome to The P2P box, a brand new podcast that amplifies the voices of our peer-to-peer fundraising community and gives us a platform — a box, if you will — to discuss the hot topics facing our industry. Join your host and P2P BFF, Marcie Maxwell, the Managing Director of the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum, as she sits down with industry peers and leaders, delving deep into their box issues, sharing best practices, and celebrating success stories.

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November 3, 2026Episode 433 min

Thinking Bigger About the Potential of Peer-to-Peer with Project Purple’s Dino Verrelli

Are nonprofits underestimating what their peer-to-peer programs and supporters are capable of? Project Purple's Dino Verrelli thinks so, and he's challenging the mindset that may be holding us back. In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Dino, founder and CEO of Project Purple, about turning a personal connection to pancreatic cancer into a thriving nonprofit built on endurance fundraising. From becoming a charity partner at the world's biggest marathons to exploring walks, pickleball and other community events, Dino shares how his team approaches growth with intention. Drawing on his experience as both an entrepreneur and nonprofit executive, Dino challenges P2P professionals to recognize their programs' value, set ambitious expectations and demonstrate what's possible through consistent results. Together, we'll explore: Diversifying beyond endurance while staying focused on the communities, partnerships and opportunities that drive results Challenging the nonprofit mindset that undervalues our programs, participants and fundraising potential Investing strategically in growth and demonstrating P2P's long-term value to organizational leadership Mentioned Links Project Purple • Ways We Help Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with Dino Connect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (00:31) - Introducing Dino Verelli and Project Purple (07:22) - The Power of Endurance (12:38) - A Diverse Portfolio (19:26) - Why do we undervalue our own programs? (31:56) - Get Involved

October 20, 2026Episode 330 min

Coaching P2P Teams to Forecast with Confidence with Arthritis Foundation’s Sara Echeverri-Bentley

Big fundraising goals can be exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming, especially when staff don't have a clear roadmap for achieving them. The key isn't just tracking more data. It's helping teams understand what the numbers mean and how their everyday actions contribute to success. In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Sara Echeverri-Bentley, National Director, Special Events for Walk to Cure Arthritis at the Arthritis Foundation. With more than 100 walks and runs nationwide, Sara shares how her team is turning ambitious revenue targets into manageable milestones that keep staff focused, motivated and moving forward. Sara explores the art and science of forecasting, the power of monthly micro-goals and the importance of explaining the "why" behind performance metrics. She also shares how creating opportunities for peer learning helps local teams build confidence and take greater ownership of their results. Together, we'll explore: Breaking down ambitious fundraising goals into actionable plans and measurable milestones Building staff confidence in forecasting and using data to make smarter decisions Using monthly micro-goals and peer collaboration to create focus, accountability and momentum Mentioned Links About • Arthritis Foundation Help Your Child Live Better with Juvenile Arthritis • Arthritis Foundation Get Involved • Arthritis Foundation Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with Sara Connect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (02:22) - Introducing Sara Echeverri-Bentley (09:14) - How do you help staff improve their relationship with data? (13:11) - Micro-Goals (18:08) - How do you connect data to the "why?" (21:12) - How do you share across locations and teams? (24:24) - Building confidence not pressure (28:30) - Get Involved

October 6, 2026Episode 239 min

Scaling Your Endurance Program With Intention with Breakthrough T1D’s Andrew Shannon

Building a stronger endurance program isn’t just about adding more races or recruiting more runners. It requires a clear vision for where the program is headed, how it supports the organization’s bigger goals and where to invest along the way. In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Andrew Shannon, National Manager of Run/Endurance at Breakthrough T1D, about the organization’s intentional approach to building a run program designed for the future. Andrew shares how he assessed the program with fresh eyes, developed a five-year strategy aligned with organizational priorities and created different pathways for runners to engage. He also explores a broader definition of retention, how Breakthrough T1D decides which opportunities to pursue and why strong relationships with race partners can unlock new possibilities. Together, we’ll explore: Building a long-term endurance strategy that supports broader organizational goals Creating a portfolio of opportunities that reaches new communities and keeps runners engaged Making intentional choices about race participation, retention and strategic partnerships Mentioned Links www.breakthrought1d.org www.run.breakthrought1d.org Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with Andrew Connect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (02:12) - Introducing Andrew Shannon (08:25) - Priorities and Shaping Strategic Planning (21:18) - Retention (33:35) - The Race Relationship (38:16) - Get Involved

September 22, 2026Episode 131 min

Planning Beyond the Next Event Season with March of Dimes’ Laura Goodwin

A strong P2P strategy isn’t built by one team or one event season. Creating sustainable growth means bringing the right people together, building a shared vision and making decisions today with an eye toward where the program needs to go tomorrow. In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Laura Goodwin, Vice President of Campaigns for March of Dimes, about how her team is planning for the future of March for Babies. Laura shares how teams across the organization come together to shape the strategy, launch it internally and equip local teams to bring it to life. They also explore the value of thinking beyond a single year, staying focused through inevitable ups and downs and understanding P2P’s role in the broader donor journey. Laura challenges the idea that P2P fundraising is transactional and shares advice for creating stronger alignment around a shared vision. Together, we’ll explore: Building cross-functional alignment around P2P strategy and execution Using long-range planning to guide today’s decisions and navigate short-term fluctuations Understanding P2P’s role in deeper donor relationships and the broader fundraising ecosystem Mentioned Links March of Dimes March for Babies @marchofdimes on Instagram , Facebook & X March of Dimes MODCAST Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with Laura Connect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (02:20) - Introducing Laura Goodwin (08:16) - Setting the Tone for Cooperative Input (16:24) - 2030 is Around the Corner! (19:58) - Driving with Focus (23:41) - The Transactional Misunderstanding (26:55) - Getting Started (29:35) - Get Involved

June 30, 2026Episode 837 min

Discovering Fresh Campaign Ideas From Within with Disabled American Veterans' Laura Rusche

The next great campaign idea may not come from watching what other organizations are doing. It may come from paying closer attention to the people who already support your mission. In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Laura Rusche, Strategic Fundraising Priorities Manager at DAV (Disabled American Veterans). Laura shares the story behind Field of Flags, a program that began outside of peer-to-peer fundraising and grew into a powerful community-driven campaign that continues to expand its reach and impact. Laura discusses how DAV identified the early signs of potential within the program, what it took to transform an organic idea into a scalable fundraising initiative and why understanding supporter motivations became the foundation for its growth. She also explores the importance of cross-functional collaboration, internal alignment and staying connected to the community when evaluating future campaign opportunities. Together, we'll explore: Identifying untapped campaign opportunities by listening to supporters and recognizing organic momentum Scaling a grassroots fundraising concept into a sustainable DIY program across diverse communities Building internal buy-in and long-term vision to support program growth and innovation Mentioned Links Disabled American Veterans Field of Flags Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with Laura Connect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (01:12) - Introducing Laura Rusche and Disabled American Veterans (08:27) - Field of Flags (25:04) - Finding Alignment (36:00) - Get Involved

June 16, 2026Episode 725 min

Making Space for Gen Z Men in Peer-to-Peer Fundraising with The Ability Experience's Shaw Guidi

As organizations look to engage the next generation of fundraisers, many are asking the same question: what actually motivates Gen Z, and especially young men, to show up and take action? In this episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with Shaw Guidi, Director of Chapter Engagement at The Ability Experience, the philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Shaw brings a firsthand perspective from working with college-age men across the country, offering insight into what drives their participation and what keeps them connected. Shaw shares how competition, challenge, and personal connection play a powerful role in motivating Gen Z men. He also explores how organizations can provide structure without stifling creativity, meeting fundraisers where they are while guiding them toward success. From digital-first strategies like TikTok and livestreaming to the irreplaceable impact of in-person connection, this conversation highlights what it takes to turn initial interest into long-term commitment. Together, we’ll explore: What motivates Gen Z men to engage and how competition and connection influence action How to balance structure and creativity while building meaningful fundraising experiences Why showing up in person still matters and how digital tools can amplify, not replace, human connection Mentioned Links The Ability Experience Journey of Hope Gear Up Florida Gear Up New York Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (02:10) - Introducing Shaw Guidi and The Ability Experience (04:52) - Events (06:48) - The Coveted Audience (14:00) - Social Media Strategy (16:36) - The In-Person Connection (24:04) - Get Involved

June 2, 2026Episode 626 min

Reimagining Your Social Challenge Strategy with Cancer Research UK’s Gareth Mulcahy

Social challenges surged during COVID, creating a powerful wave of participation and connection. Now, as the landscape matures, many organizations are asking where these P2P campaigns truly fit and how to evolve them with intention. In this episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with Gareth Mulcahy, Head of Proposition at Cancer Research UK. Gareth brings a candid perspective on why social challenges still matter, and how his team continues to adapt their portfolio to stay relevant, responsive, and rooted in supporter needs. Gareth shares what it takes to operate at the speed social challenges demand, from shifting internal mindsets to launching campaigns in months rather than years. He also dives into how meaningful storytelling and thoughtful campaign design can help challenges stand out in an increasingly crowded space. Along the way, the conversation tackles how to guide leadership through changing results, and how to discern whether social challenges are the right fit for your organization at all. Together, we’ll explore: The role social challenges play in a modern fundraising portfolio and what drives sustained success How speed, storytelling, and authenticity shape standout campaigns When to lean into social challenges and when it may be time to step back Mentioned Links Cancer Research UK Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with Gareth Connect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (02:07) - Introducing Gareth Mulcahy (05:08) - Why do Social Challenges Still Matter at Cancer Research UK? (09:16) - Ramping Speed (24:04) - Learn More

May 19, 2026Episode 536 min

Demonstrating the True Value of P2P Fundraising with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Kathe Goller & Mike Lamma

Peer-to-peer fundraising continues to hold a meaningful place in many organizations. But as revenue strategies diversify and new channels emerge, it’s facing fresh scrutiny, often from leaders who haven’t grown up in the P2P space. That shift is prompting important questions about where it fits and how its value is defined. In this episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with Kathe Goller, Senior Director of Community Fundraising, and Mike Lamma, Executive Vice President and COO at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Together, they share the journey of building one of the most recognized walk programs in the country and what it took to move from early skepticism to sustained growth and long-term impact. Kathe and Mike reflect on the key decisions and moments that helped establish peer-to-peer as a vital part of their organization’s success. They unpack how to communicate value beyond revenue, especially in times of increased pressure, and what it means to truly know your worth as a P2P leader. The conversation also explores how internal perspectives shifted from competition to collaboration, helping peer-to-peer earn its place alongside more traditional development strategies. Together, we’ll explore: How peer-to-peer evolved at AFSP from uncertainty to a core driver of growth Ways to communicate value beyond dollars and strengthen leadership confidence What it takes to build internal alignment and position peer-to-peer as a strategic partner Mentioned Links AFSP.org @AFSPnational on IG @AFSPnational on X Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with Kathe Connect with Mike Connect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (02:58) - Introducing Mike Lamma and Kathe Goller (06:16) - When is the Walk a Walk? (08:53) - Turning Peer-to-Peer into an Engine for Growth (14:28) - Selling the Value of Peer-to-Peer (22:28) - Understanding Your Data (29:48) - Build Effective Buy-in (34:31) - Get Involved

May 5, 2026Episode 426 min

Unifying Teams Around A New Event Vision with Curebound’s Liz DiGeronimo & Erik Gordon

What happens when you rethink everything about your signature event all at once? From branding and location to timing, Curebound took a leap that could have reshaped everything or strengthened it. In this episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with Liz DiGeronimo, Director of Community Fundraising, and Erik Gordon, Director of Marketing at Curebound. Together, they unpack what it really takes to guide both your community and your internal teams through major change while staying grounded in purpose. Liz and Erik walk through the signals that made it clear their long-standing event needed to evolve and the risks that came with stepping away from tradition. They share how they brought their community into the process through intentional listening and conversation, discovering that what mattered most wasn’t the venue or logistics but the mission driving it all. The conversation also dives into the internal work. From aligning marketing and fundraising around a shared story to refining how they communicate during moments of uncertainty, they reveal how clarity and connection became their biggest strengths. Together, we’ll explore: Guiding teams toward shared clarity during major event change Engaging your community so they feel part of the journey Keeping your mission front and center through every shift Mentioned Links Curebound Curebound Cancer Challenge Curebound Concert for Cures Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with Liz Connect with Erik Connect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (02:03) - Introducing Liz DiGeronimo and Erik Gordon (04:18) - About Curebound (05:32) - Big Moves and Rebranding in 2025 (10:50) - Marketing (19:46) - Location Location Location? (24:31) - Get Involved

April 21, 2026Episode 325 min

Connecting Families to Community from Day One Through P2P with Autism Speaks' Christie Godowski

For many families, a peer-to-peer event is more than a fundraiser, it’s their first step into a community that understands and supports them. When organizations show up with care in those early moments, they create a foundation for trust, connection, and long-term engagement. In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Christie Godowski, Vice President of Community Engagement at Autism Speaks. Christie shares how her team connects with individuals and families right after diagnosis, offering support while inviting them into a broader community experience through peer-to-peer. Christie reflects on what it takes to create a seamless journey across program and fundraising teams, so families feel supported rather than segmented. She also shares how Autism Speaks equips frontline fundraisers to approach sensitive conversations with confidence, along with the nuances of engaging adults newly diagnosed with autism alongside parents navigating a child’s diagnosis. Learn how early outreach shapes long-term connection and what small, intentional actions can help teams build trust from the very first interaction. Together, we’ll explore: Connecting families to support and community from the earliest moments after diagnosis Strengthening collaboration between program and fundraising teams to create one cohesive experience Equipping fundraisers to lead thoughtful conversations that build trust and lasting engagement Mentioned Links Autism Speaks On social - Instagram , YouTube & Facebook Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with Christie Connect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (02:20) - Introducing Christie Godowski and Autism Speaks (03:50) - The First Walk (06:40) - Breaking Down Barriers (11:10) - Front Line Fundraisers (14:34) - Adults & Children in Diagnosis (22:44) - Making Change toward Building Trust (24:25) - Get Involved