Welcome to the Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast Series: "What’s Your Why?" This is where we go beyond headlines to share the real, honest stories shaping the charity sector. Here, founders, leaders, and change makers open up about what drives them, the challenges they’ve faced, and the heart of their philanthropic journeys.
Whether you’re a fundraiser, philanthropist, charity professional, or simply committed to making a difference, this channel offers genuine insight and inspiration to deepen your connection to giving.
If you’d like to share your story or be featured in an upcoming conversation, we’d love to hear from you.
You can find out more by visiting earlybirdphilanthropy.com
In this episode, Vicki Beavers, founder and CEO of The Sleep Charity, shares her personal journey with sleep deprivation, the importance of sleep for wellbeing, and how her charity is transforming sleep support across the UK. Discover practical insights, the science behind sleep, and how targeted interventions can change lives. Vicki shares her inspiring journey from personal struggles with sleep to leading the Sleep Charity, highlighting the importance of sleep for health, mental well-being, and societal impact. This episode explores her innovative approaches, partnerships, and insights into transforming sleep issues into a national movement for better health.
In this episode, Michelle Benson shares her journey from fundraising to founding Culture of Philanthropy, reflecting on how charities can build stronger income pipelines by adapting to their external environment, using data well and creating a culture where philanthropy can thrive. She talks about practical fundraising, donor engagement and how to make the process feel more authentic, strategic and sustainable. The conversation also explores how social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok can support fundraising when used with purpose and clarity. It is a thoughtful discussion about building strong organisational foundations and approaching fundraising in a way that is both human and effective.
In this heartfelt episode, Steve Phillip shares the story behind The Jordan Legacy, shaped by the loss of his son to suicide and his determination to help prevent other families from experiencing the same pain. He reflects on grief, hope and the importance of open conversations around suicide prevention and mental health. The interview also explores the role of social media, collaboration and community action in raising awareness and building support. It is a moving conversation about turning personal loss into practical action, and about what it takes to create hope, understanding and change.
In this episode, Ian Nutt, Director of Fundraising and Engagement at Heart of England Forest, shares his journey through the worlds of nature, arts, and charity. He discusses the importance of long-term vision in environmental work, the power of community engagement, and the personal benefits of connecting with nature and creativity.
In this heartfelt interview, Madison Wood-Gonzalez, Executive Director of Morning Light, shares her journey into end-of-life care for people who are homeless or have limited means. She reflects on the organisation’s social hospice model, the importance of storytelling, and what it takes to lead with compassion, resilience and purpose in a deeply human service. The conversation also explores hope, community, dignity and the systemic challenges surrounding homelessness. It is a thoughtful episode about how small acts of care can make a meaningful difference at the end of life.
In this episode, Ashley Samuels-McKenzie shares his journey and explores the transformative power of music and media in youth development, social impact and creative pathways. The conversation looks at the role of storytelling, creative education and mentorship in helping young people build confidence and unlock potential, especially when facing adversity. It also reflects on the wider value of creativity as a tool for opportunity, connection and positive change. It is an inspiring discussion about how culture, imagination and support can shape brighter futures.
In this inspiring interview, Melanie Beck MBE DL shares her journey from elite sports to community leadership, emphasising the importance of growth, resilience, and inclusion. Discover how her experiences in sports, city development, and charity work converge to create meaningful social impact, especially in learning disability services. In this insightful interview, Melanie Beck MBE DL shares her experiences and insights on supporting adults with learning disabilities, building inclusive communities, and leading with purpose. Discover practical strategies for fostering genuine inclusion, empowering learners, and creating resilient organizations that make a lasting impact.
In this episode of the Night Owl Philanthropy podcast, host Dean Jones speaks with Bianca Robinson, CEO of CEO Sleep Out, about her journey into philanthropy and the pressing issue of homelessness.
Bianca shares her personal connection to the cause, the mission of CEO Sleep Out, and the importance of engaging business leaders in social responsibility. The conversation explores the realities of homelessness, the hidden struggles faced by many, and the increasing trends in homelessness across the UK.
In this episode, Dean Jones speaks with Jordan Letts, Chief Executive of Northampton Saints Foundation, about how rugby can be used as a force for good, and the foundation’s work supporting young people and vulnerable adults across the community. Jordan reflects on his own leadership journey, the importance of collaboration with local partners, and how the foundation creates education, employment and inclusion opportunities that help people build brighter futures. The conversation also explores the power of rugby values like teamwork and respect, the role of vulnerability and trust in leadership, and the foundation’s ambitions for long-term sustainability through future capital projects. It’s a thoughtful and compelling discussion for charity leaders, community partners and funders who want to understand what genuine sport for development looks like in practice. Listen on all major platforms – Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
In this episode of the Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast, host Dean Jones speaks with Vanessa Holmes, Associate Director at Milton Keynes Hospital Charity. They explore the motivations behind hospital fundraising, the impact of charity work on patient experiences, and the challenges faced in the sector. Vanessa shares her personal journey into hospital charity work, the importance of building relationships with donors, and the evolving landscape of hospital fundraising, especially in light of recent economic challenges. The conversation emphasizes the significance of emotional storytelling in fundraising and the need for authentic connections with supporters.
In this episode Simon Green, Chief Executive of YMCA South Midlands, about the raw personal experiences – a close friend's time in hostel accommodation over 20 years ago, and the devastating loss of someone dear who lived there and died from addiction – that drove him to dedicate his life to youth homelessness. Simon opens up on the brutal intertwining of poor mental health, addiction and isolation that traps young people, and how YMCA MK works alongside them to build new starts – the unvarnished stories of lives turned around, second chances seized, and the quiet dignity of giving someone the shot at life they deserve. It's a story laced with resilience and determination, but also the high stakes, relentless stress and profound rewards of leadership when the stakes couldn't be higher. Real talk for charity leaders, local decision-makers and funders who want to grasp what it truly takes to stand with young people on the brink. Listen on all major platforms – Spotify, Apple Podcasts,
Episode 22.
Peter Murphy Lewis
President
Miami County Community Foundation
Turning Invisible Work Into Visible Hope
Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast
What Is Your Why?
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