The Smart Communications Podcast

The Smart Communications Podcast is a useful resource for all nonprofit leaders looking to boost their communications chops on the go.

About the show

The Smart Communications Podcast helps busy nonprofit leaders build their communications skills and develop their organization’s voice. Every episode shares insights and practical tips to help you leverage strategic communications to advance your nonprofit’s mission.

The Smart Communications Podcast on social media

Episodes

  • Episode 189: How can you get more out of your rebrand?

    June 25th, 2025  |  13 mins 16 secs
    branding, communications, nonprofit, podcast, rebranding

    Rebranding doesn’t stop at the launch. Learn practical tips to activate, maintain, and evolve your nonprofit’s brand with intention and care.

  • Episode 188: How can you grow midlevel donors?

    June 11th, 2025  |  20 mins 55 secs
    communications, fundraising, midlevel donors, nonprofit, podcast

    Learn how to form lasting relationships with midlevel donors through smart segmentation, intentional stewardship, and fresh data.

  • Episode 187: How can you shape your AI brand footprint?

    May 29th, 2025  |  18 mins 32 secs
    ai, brand footprint, branding, communications, nonprofit, podcast

    Learn more about what AI says about your nonprofit brand and ways to leverage ChatGPT, Google search, analytics, and more.

  • Episode 186: How should your nonprofit approach crisis communications?

    May 14th, 2025  |  22 mins 49 secs
    crisis communications, nonprofit, podcast

    Get tangible tips and guidance on how nonprofits can define, prepare, and manage crisis communications with clarity and care.

  • Episode 185: How can you approach AI with an equity lens?

    April 30th, 2025  |  25 mins 7 secs
    ai, artificial intelligence, communications, equity, nonprofit, podcast

    Discover how nonprofits can approach AI with an equity lens and move from task-based tools to mission-centered strategies.

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    Episode 184: Should your organization consider a merger?

    April 16th, 2025  |  24 mins
    communications, merger, nonprofit, podcast

    What happens when two complementary nonprofits become one? Hear how Idealist and VolunteerMatch joined forces—and what your organization should ask as it pursues mergers or other deep partnerships.

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    Episode 183: How can you break free from being busy?

    April 2nd, 2025  |  30 mins 5 secs
    communications, nonprofit, podcast, teams

    Discover how to break the cycle of busyness and reclaim your time. Explore mindset shifts and strategies to create space for what truly matters in your work and personal life.

  • Episode 182: How can you build resilient nonprofit organizations and teams?

    March 19th, 2025  |  18 mins 50 secs
    communications, nonprofit, podcast, resilience, teams

    Building resilience starts with people. Learn how nonprofits can foster adaptable teams, avoid burnout, and strengthen fundraising for a sustainable future.

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    Episode 181: How do we foster healthy group participation?

    March 5th, 2025  |  16 mins 16 secs
    collaboration, communications, nonprofit, podcast, teams

    Discover how to get people to be more active in conversations and learn strategies to enhance collaboration, inclusion, and engagement in nonprofit teams.

  • Episode 180: Is it time to reboot your communications strategy?

    February 19th, 2025  |  22 mins 11 secs
    communications, nonprofit, podcast, strategy, teams, trends

    Discover the latest nonprofit communications trends and explore how nonprofits can reboot their strategies for better results in 2025.

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    Episode 179: How can a language guide help your nonprofit?

    February 5th, 2025  |  17 mins 30 secs
    communications, language guide, nonprofit, podcast, teams

    Explore why language guides matter for nonprofits. Learn how intentional language strengthens impact, ensures consistency, and aligns teams.

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    Episode 178: How can values strengthen your organization?

    January 22nd, 2025  |  19 mins 14 secs
    cooperative, nonprofit, podcast, teams, values

    Get insights on creating value statements that reflect identity, guide decision-making, and foster alignment in nonprofits, worker-owned cooperatives, and other organizations.

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    Episode 177: How can you engage your community with campaigns?

    January 8th, 2025  |  20 mins 18 secs
    agile, campaigns, communications, nonprofit, podcast

    Explore how nonprofits can engage communities with effective digital advocacy campaigns using the AGILE framework, real-world examples, and actionable strategies.

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    Episode 176: How do you plan and communicate about leaving an organization?

    December 11th, 2024  |  22 mins 57 secs
    leadership, nonprofit, podcast, teams

    Learn about the risks and rewards of succession and continuity planning. Uncover the value of building trust within your team and partners with clear communications.

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    Episode 175: Should the media be an audience for your brand?

    November 26th, 2024  |  21 mins 43 secs
    communications, media, nonprofit, podcast, pr

    Learn if media outreach is worth the investment for your nonprofit. Get tips on building relationships with journalists, measuring impact, and more.

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    Episode 174: How can nonprofit leaders build strong organizations?

    November 13th, 2024  |  15 mins 59 secs
    leadership, nonprofit, podcast, teams

    Learn why passion is just one of the important components of running a successful nonprofit–and other traits leaders need.