2021 is here and it is time for new beginnings. There seems no time like the present to dive right in. As I launch the new Charity Matters podcast, my goal is to share the stories of innovators, entrepreneurs, and inspiring modern-day heroes who set out to solve the problems of humanity with their incredible journeys of service.
With my first episode, let me re-introduce myself to those of you who are just joining us. My name is Heidi Johnson and I am the founder of Charity Matters. Ten years ago, after starting a nonprofit with a group of friends, I decided that the world was focusing on the wrong people. I began a search to find my tribe, an incredible group of entrepreneurs who worked tirelessly to solve the problems of humanity. Nonprofit founders. I was one but I wanted to understand why millions of people across the country started businesses to help people?
I invite you to listen to our first episode.
Not only did I find my heroes but we had these unbelievable conversations. Now, a decade later after sharing these enlightening discussions via the Charity Matters blog, I decided it is time to share it all. The result is the new Charity Matters Podcast. Today the tables are turned and I am answering the questions instead of asking them. Honestly, I prefer it the other way around.
Here are a few highlights from today’s episode:
Charity Matters: Tell us a little about what Charity Matters does?
Heidi Johnson: Charity Matters is a filter for goodness that connects people and causes. We use our platform to spread the message of extraordinary humans who are using their lives to serve others. Our goal is for these incredible stories to act as a mirror for reflection. Our hope is that they inspire others to look at ways that they can serve, connect, and make a difference in their world.
What was the moment you knew you needed to act and start Charity Matters?
Heidi Johnson: To quote Martin Luther King, I had a dream. I rarely remember my dreams but this one woke me up with a jolt. So, I got up in the middle of the night in early 2011 and wrote down the dream. The dream was about being a messenger for all of these extraordinary humans. The next day I decided to figure out how to build a website and I went to work starting Charity Matters.
Charity Matters: What fuels you to keep doing this work?
Heidi Johnson: First, is the life lessons I learn from these wise, interesting, strong, and compassionate humans. It is a guilty pleasure. I have never ended a conversation without being blown away. Secondly, the feedback I get from all of our subscribers. The beautiful notes, the stories they share about acting because of another story we have shared. To witness the circle of positive energy and goodness is addicting.
Charity Matters: How has this journey changed you?
Heidi Johnson: I’d like to think that I have become a better person for having learned from these people who are my heroes. Don’t get me wrong, I am no saint and still have the mouth of a sailor some days. However, when you talk to these incredible people who have literally given up their lives, changed careers, and completely devoted themselves to something bigger than themselves, it changes you.
The biggest change is my gratitude. I am reminded daily from these conversations how blessed I am to have love, family, food, a hot shower, and my health. That gratitude fuels me and there is no joy without it.
CHARITY MATTERS.
New episodes are released every Wednesday! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please:
- Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag me @heidimcniffjohnson and @Charitymatters so I can repost you.
- Leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts
- Subscribe for new episodes each week
Connect with us:
- www.Charity-Matters.com
- On IG @Charitymatters
YOUR REFERRAL IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT, IF YOU ARE SO MOVED OR INSPIRED, WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO SHARE AND INSPIRE ANOTHER.
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