Holiday Edition--His Toy Store and Hope for New York

Episode 12
By Bill Quinn

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

In a just few days, kids all over New York City will waking up early and jumping out of bed in search of presents.  Many of those boys and girls will happily find gifts because of the good people at Hope for New York who support 40+ faith-based, anti-poverty organizations across the city (remember Father's Heart?).  Earlier this month, they opened several pop-up toy stores under the banner "His Toy Store."  Their goal was to provide presents to families in "deep financial need."  In this episode, Katherine Evans walks me through how His Toy Store works and recounts some of her fonder memories of the program.

Download the episode here.

Want to know more?  Check out these links to learn about His Toy Store and Hope for New York!

• Hope for New York's page for His Toy Store.
• It's not too late to help--donate here.
• Kids these days with their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Hope for New York's home page.
• Binge watch all of Hope For New York's videos on their Vimeo page.

Here's a quick look at His Toy Story.

And that's it--last episode of the year!  My thanks to Kathrine Evans and everyone at Hope for New York for taking time to speak with me.  Additional thanks and shout outs to Jillian D'Angelo and Abigail Tseng for inadvertently (in one case) and... advertantly? (in the other case) connecting me with Katherine.  Happy Holidays everyone and see you next year!

Music generously provided by: http://www.bensound.com

"You don't teach at students, you do it with them!"--CityScience Extras

Episode 5+ (extra stuff!)
By Bill Quinn

Here at the Bill Quinn Podcast, one of our favorite organizations is CityScience for their role in supporting New York City STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. We featured CityScience in episode five but I had to cut some interesting stories and highlights due to time constraints.  Recently I went back, deep into the archives, and dug out those stories that got cut our first go-round. A few edits and voila--this week's episode!  You’ll hear the Founder and Director, Thor Snilsberg, talk about his favorite moments and projects including pickling food, advising students who led the first urban forestry study and a kid who hacked into a school's wifi.

Download this episode here.

Liiiiiiiiiiiiiiinks!

• Inspired to give on Giving Tuesday? Here you go!
• Learn more about the nuts and bolts of CityScience in episode five and by visiting their home page.
• Are you a science teacher? You’ll want to check this out.
• Here’s a tour of social media sites: Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.
• Maybe you’re into donating your time—they’re into that too!

My thanks again go to Thor Snilsberg and all the great people at CityScience who, even five years in, still have such enthusiasm and excitement for their work. Getting to be a part of that, for however briefly, makes running this little operation worthwhile.  And a shout-out to Kristen Cordero for connecting me with Thor. Thanks Kristen!

Theme song: Quittin' Time (Patrick Lee) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0
Additional music: http://www.bensound.com

Helping Students Learn about Themselves--The Bloom Collective

“Anything goes!” Aaron Densham exclaimed when describing the the Bloom Collective's education philosophy.  Raised in an atmosphere of progressive teaching programs focused on self-reflection, Aaron went on to intern at an orphanage in Rwanda where he implemented similar innovative teaching methods.  Co-founding Bloom in 2014, the organization has brought the approach to communities and schools in Israel, India and of course his native Australia.  Speaking from Melbourne (and a whole day in the future!) we talked about what his young organization has already accomplished and what plans they have going forward.  I also learn why he enjoys spraying shaving cream at students.  You know, outside of the obvious.

During the interview, we refer to the Plato's Allegory of the Cave.  If you need a refresher here's a nice little video courtesy of TED.

Download the episode here.

Links!

• The Bloom Collective's home page goes into even more detail about what they do.
• It turns out I wasn't the first the first to get to Aaron--here is his interview with The Well.
• Their Facebook page is worth a look for some of the pictures alone! 

I was inadvertently dodging Aaron for a while but he stuck with me and I couldn't be happier.  It's always good to talk with and be inspired by a fellow teacher.  Plus it was great getting to know him and Bloom a little better.  My thanks to him for being gracious with his time.  Also, another thanks goes out to Babita Patel (learn more here) for continuing to connect me with exciting and engaging nonprofit leaders.  And I should mention I stumbled across the key to her wonderful connections: the Global Social Impact House in Pennsylvania.  Check out this video to learn more.  Keep an eye out for a cameo from both Babita and Aaron.

Music Credits:

Opening/Closing song:  Tales Of A Dead Fish (The Freak Fandango Orchestra) / CC BY-SA 3.0

Additional music: http://www.bensound.com

Improving the Quality of Surgery in Developing Countries with Mentors--Mission: Restore

Episode 9
by Bill Quinn

Last week I sat with Karina Nagan in a quiet Brooklyn coffee shop to learn about Mission: Restore, an organization dedicated to supporting surgeons around the world with knowledge and skills to improve treatment of their patients.  As Executive Director, Karina has helped to send veteran doctors to Myanmar, Tanzia and Haiti among others where they train and work with local surgeons to manage the complexities of their job.  This episode we learn more about how mentors, like Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh, founder of Mission: Restore, impact local doctors and their community as well as use teleconferencing technology to maintain their mentorships after the trip has ended.  Plus learn about the upcoming "Fall Soiree" and an opportunity for listeners to support the training of one particularly talented doctor in Tanzinia.

Download this episode here.

We just scratch the surface of their work--learn more by following these links:

Start with their home page.

Have a great night at the Mission: Restore Fall Soiree on November 13th!

Follow them on social media like Twitter and Instagram.

Get involved!  Internships, fellowships, volunteering all available by emailing.

MISSION: RESTORE in Myanmar from Lena Rudnick on Vimeo.

Many thanks to Karina Nagin for spending some time talking with me.  And thank you to Babita Patel for introducing us--learn more about Babita's organization the KIOO project here.  And I'm testing out a new theme song--let me know what you think!  

Theme song: Quittin' Time (Patrick Lee) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0
Additional music: http://www.bensound.com

"What Stories Would They Tell?"--the KIOO Project

Episode 8, October 6, 2015

by Bill Quinn

Humanitarian photographer Babita Patel tells a story of a boy laughing and pointing at the image of himself on the screen of her digital camera.  It turns out that he and other Haitian boys like him rarely if ever get to see what has become ubiquitous here in New York--a picture of themselves.  This small moment has launched an exciting nonprofit called the KIOO Project which runs photography programs for students in some of the world's poorest countries.  They not only teach students new skills but empower young people to express themselves.  This episode Babita shares stories from the work she has done in Haiti and Kenya.  And if you like what you hear, be sure to support the KIOO Project on Indiegogo by October 8th!

(Technical note:  Due to some major computer-related hurdles, this episode is very late in being posted.  Some of the times mentioned, such as two weeks left in the Indiegogo campaign, are considerably off.)

Download this episode on Pod-o-Matic

Learn more about all the great work of the KIOO Project in the links below:

• Help this excellent program on Indiegogo before time runs out on October 8th. Your money will support their work with students in India.

• Here's the KIOO Project's excellent web site with a lot more information plus pictures from Haiti and Kenya. 

• Purchase some of the photographs discussed in this episode, plus other great pictures, to support the organization.

• Follow the project with regular updates from India on Instagram.

• Connect with the KIOO Project through the other usual suspects of Facebook and Twitter.

• Watch videos to see KIOO in action!

• Learn more about Babita Patel by visiting her web site.

A huge THANK YOU and shout out to Julia Firestone for supporting the podcast and connecting me with Babita and the KIOO Project.  And another big thank you to Babita for being a fantastic guest, for patiently waiting for me to figure out technical issues (a reoccurring theme here at the BQ Podcast) and for not openly judging me when I didn't realize my web cam and microphone were broadcasting as I ranted to myself about the less-than intuitive Google On Air controls.   And lastly, thank you NOFX for not bothering me about stealing your song.  However your unresponsiveness to my requests for permission may have finally wore me down.  I will have to find a new song to lead me to the promised land: Itunes.

Music: http://www.bensound.com

"I still feel the roof crashing over me." -- After Rana Plaza

September 17, 2015

Ending this Sunday, September 20th, is a photo exhibit from Bangladesh as part of the Photoville project in Brooklyn Bridge Park. It documents the aftermath of the 2013 Rana Plaza disaster and the ongoing experiences for victims, families and the community. With each photograph comes a carefully documented account connecting the image to the collapse.  The pictures are striking, tragic and touching yet vivid and beautiful.  One of the organizers, Thahitun Mariam, graciously answered several questions about the exhibit.

Update:  If you click on the picture you will be linked to the corresponding story.

Bill:  What is "After Rana Plaza?"

Thahitun:  After Rana Plaza" is a year-long documentary photography project to shed light on the lives of people who remain deeply impacted by one of the world's deadliest industrial catastrophes. It is a collaborative project between Bangladeshi photographer Ismail Ferdous and The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.  

Bill:  How did you get involved?

Thahitun:  I am involved with "After Rana Plaza" because I was one of the main content writers for the stories being told. The interviews and photographs are captured by Ismail Ferdous, and then sent to us writers to understand and explain the narratives of many people who were involved in the collapse - whether it be the survivors themselves, or the organizations that are working to provide services to them even till now.

Bill:  What are some of the more memorable stories to come out of the exhibit.

Thahitun:  Visit the web site here. Feel free to shift through the pictures to get a better idea of the stories being told.

Bill:  When and where can people see the exhibit?

Thahitun:  "After Rana Plaza" is being exhibited during the Photoville festival which happens yearly in Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City. It is happening from September 10, 2015 — September 20, 2015. The Hours of Operation for the festival can be found on the Photoville website.

Bill:  If someone wants to get involved with your project in one way or another, what should they do?

Thahitun:  They can get involved with the "After Rana Plaza" project by emailing us at afterranaplaza@gmail.com.

Bill:  What have you learned from organizing photography exhibits such as this one that you can pass on to others who might want to do something similar?

Thahitun:  From my experience working with "After Rana Plaza" we have realized that it is always best to have a vision and work towards it slowly. "After Rana Plaza" is a vision of Ismail Ferdous's to follow up and tell the stories of people who may otherwise be forgotten. As a writer, it is important for me to provide dignity and honor to the stories being told as stories of survival, and not as tales of defeat. "After Rana Plaza" was approached to be exhibited during Photoville since Ismail Ferdous and his work was selected as one of the three recipients of the first Getty Images Instagram Grants.

My thanks again to Thahitun for taking the time to answer my questions.  If you miss the last few days of the exhibit be sure to check it out online at the official page for After Rana Plaza where you can click on pictures for their story.  You can also go learn more about photographer Ismail Ferdous's work by visiting his web site.  

How to Build Outstanding Schools in Rural Africa--The Impact Network

Episode 7
August 25^th
by Bill Quinn

From her small office in Brooklyn, NY Reshma Patel is tackling the difficult problems confronting schools and students in Zambia with new technology and innovative teaching methods.  She is the Executive Director of the Impact Network and I was lucky enough to talk with her a couple of months ago in episode three.  In order to keep the episode around ten minutes there were a lot of interesting things I had to cut.  But since I’m currently struggling to find someone to interview, I thought I'd put the whole interview together.  In this episode Reshma talks about the education system in Zambia, what the Impact Network’s schools do differently and how they are able to be so successful for so much less.  If you’re inspired to get involved, Reshma describes many of the available opportunities to be a part of the organization.  One quick note on the recording quality; this was one of my first efforts so I clearly had some issues.  Full apologies and thanks for your patience.

Download the episode here.

The interview was in early June so we didn’t get into much detail about the gala but since November is just around the corner I’ll mention it here.  Expert chefs from around the city come together for one big international culinary blowout to benefit the Impact Network.  And since a child’s education can be funded for $3 a day, the money raised at this event can go very far. 

A overview video of the 2013 event.

Has this only whet your appetite to learn more?  Here are some links for more about the Impact Network and Zambia’s education system.

A good place to start: The Impact Network’s web site.
 
Do you like what the Impact Network does?  Make it official on their Facebook page.

Don’t want to read?  Here’s the Impact Network’s Youtube page.

Learn more about one of New York’s more unique fundraisers—Chefs for Impact.

Get an overview of the education system in Zambia from The Ministry of Education.

Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about education in Zambia.

My thanks to Reshma and the Impact Network for their time and support of the podcast (episode 3 is currently holding the title for most views).  I’ve been out of the loop for a bit between a small vacation and a large cold that took me out of action for a while but I’m back and should have episodes up more regularly going forward.  And there’s this song I like and keep using (pirating apparently) from NOFX.  Thanks fellas!

The Sunday Film Series--Putting a Spotlight on the Underground World of Indie Cinema

Episode 6
August 3, 2015
by Bill Quinn

I live in Brooklyn--a borough alive with artists and filmmakers. Yet their works are too often hard to find. Luckily people like Heather Freudenthal and the "Sunday Film Series" have stepped up to bring films to audiences in intimate settings with moderated discussions. This ongoing series has a broad mission where the selected films "...provide thought-provoking content and engaging stories that highlight a variety of topics, themes and issues, providing the audience with a captivating glimpse into characters and worlds which are underrepresented in traditional film." This episode I talk with Heather about what makes the Sunday Film Series so special. I got an inside glimpse into running a film series as well as what we can expect from the Sunday Film Screening going forward!

Download the episode here.

Visit the web site to learn more about the Sunday Film Series.

The featured film of the month is up here.

If you want to contact heather, find her email address here.

Heather endured technical difficulties and rescheduling to be on this episode so I'm very thankful for her patience and time.  I'd also like to thank Liam Billingham for taking me to a Sunday Film Series screening years ago which ultimately led to this episode.  And NOFX--why you no return my emails?  Thanks for the song all the same.

CityScience--Turning the City into a Laboratory

July 27, 2015
Episode 5
by Bill Quinn

Want to create civic pride through interactive science?  Need ideas and materials for your science classes?  These are two of the many questions this week's ambitious and unique organization wants to help you answer--the Brooklyn-based  CityScience (one word).  I had a chance to visit the office and speak with Thor Snilsberg, the personable and enthusiastic Director who has helmed the organization through it's very successful first five years and is ready to continue innovating New York City's science education.  In this episode we talk about the ways CityScience will help science teachers as well as all the different ways volunteers can get involved.  If you teach science in New York City definitely listen and check out the links below to learn more.

Download episode here.

UPDATE (12/1/15):  Be sure to click here to check out the extra questions and stories that got cut from this episode.

Check out everything CityScience has to offer by visiting their web site.

And they have a Facebook page here.

Thor mentioned the web site "Catch a Fire" which you can find here.

My thanks to Thor and everyone at CityScience for their time.  And how could I forget NOFX, thanks for the song!

Changes since Rana Plaza? Nazma Akter Part 3

July 22, 2015
NGO Report 1 Part 3
by Bill Quinn

I was so honored to speak with human rights leader Nazma Akter I broke our interview into three with this being that third and final piece.  For this part we spoke  briefly about what has happened in Bangladesh since the Rana Plaza factory collapse that claimed well over a thousand lives.  Before this interview I had always seen the improvement of factory conditions as the focus of human and labor rights in Bangladesh and other countries with a history of sweatshops.  But talking with Nazma encouraged me to think of improving the workers' lives beyond the factory.  Listen to hear Nazma make the argument that even safe and fair factories will not improve living conditions.

Download this episode here.

Listen to part one and part two for more of my discussion with Nazma.

Contact the Awaj Foundation with this email address.

Visit the Awaj Foundation's web site here.

I referred to a couple of articles from The Guardian about few corporations acknowledging problems in the supply chain as well as The Gap's reaction to allegations of sweatshop conditions.

And this concludes my three-part interview with Nazma.  My thanks to her for her time and for  earnestly answering every question I had. I look forward to catching up with her again as they continue to improve the lives of millions in Bangladesh.

Nazma Akter and the Awaj Foundation--Helping Hundreds of Thousands of Bangladeshi Workers

July 15, 2015
by Bill Quinn

photo courtesy of GIZ

In part two of my interview with Human Rights advocate Nazma Akter we hear more about the work she and others at the Awaj Foundation are doing to change the lives of hundreds of thousands—if not millions—of people in Bangladesh.  We hear how the foundation is not just trying to improve conditions in factories but holistically trying to improve the lives of those factory workers.  From free healthcare to legal support to safety training, the Awaj Foundation is a major force for change throughout the country.  We hear about the successes, challenges and the future for Nazma and the Awaj Foundation in this part of my interview.

Download this episode here.

Be sure to listen to part 1 to learn more about Nazma’s life as a child worker and transition into the labor movement.

Visit the Awaj Foundation’s web site to learn more about the ways they are transforming Bangladesh.

Check out more highlights of the Awaj Foundation’s work.

If you would like to get in contact with Nazma and the Awaj Foundation, contact them here.

Learn more about Nazma and her award here.

Thank you again to Nazma Akter and the Awaj Foundation for their time.  And thank you to Blessings in Brooklyn, NY who let me sit for hours putting all this together and doing a whole bunch of other things.  If you're in looking for a great neighborhood coffee shop with excellent service you could do a lot worse.

Nazma Akter and the Awaj Foundation--From Child Worker to Powerful Activist

July 13, 2015
NGO Report Episode 1, Part 1
by Bill Quinn

Photo from Cornell's "The Worker Institute"

I was very honored to spend some time speaking with Nazma Akter about her life, work and the future for Bangladeshi garment workers--particularly women.  She has dedicated her life to improving the working and living conditions for workers in Bangladesh as a labor organizer and Executive Director of the Awaj Foundation.  In part one of my interview, Nazma talks about what it was like to start working in a factory when she was 11 years old.  We also hear about her experiences protesting for improved working conditions despite being attacked by hired factory "goons" as well as her transition into becoming a labor leader.

Download the podcast here.

Learn more about the Awaj Foundation by visiting their web site here.

Read up on Nazma Akter here.

Keep an eye out for part two and three of our conversation coming out in a few days by subscribing, and liking the podcast on these sites: Twitter  Facebook

Thank you to Nazma for spending some time speaking with me and thoughtfully answering all my questions.

(Opening song for "NGO Report" provided by Tales Of A Dead Fish (The Freak Fandango Orchestra) / CC BY-SA 3.0)

Episode 4.5--Come Out And Play!

Friday, July 10 2015
by Bill Quinn

Come Out And Play 2015 is only a week away!  I'm excited to be going and even more excited that I was able to speak with Greg Trefry, co-founder of the festival.  In episode 4 we spoke about what to expect and how to get involved.  But we also spoke a little bit about the history of the festival and some of the more memorable moments.  And here it is, my extended interview with Greg:

To download the episode click here.

To learn more about the festival visit their web site.

Check out the real world game designer discussion, "Come Out And Say" at the NYU Game Center.

Want to volunteer? Click here.

Don't want to go alone? Hitch up with my meetup group (no need to RSVP).

Thanks again to Greg for being generous with his time and to NOFX for not complaining that I've been ripping off their song from the beginning.

Oh, and I couldn't resist...

Fledgling Podcast Lands Interview With Major Bangladeshi Labor and Human Rights Advocate, Nazma Akter.

July 9, 2015
by Bill Quinn

I was so worried I actually researched and prepared for the interview.  

I'd like to keep the pretension that this is a professional operation.  But I will take a brief moment to let you know that I somehow landed a big get for the podcast here.  Early yesterday morning I spent some time interviewing one of the most important human rights advocates in Bangladesh.  You see, I have been trying to get in contact with NGOs in developing countries in the hopes of passing on their stories to Americans as part of a new project called NGO Report.  When I first contacted the Awaj Foundation I didn't quite know the size and scope of their work.  However after I scheduled an interview with Nazma Akter, the Foundation's Director, I learned that she is one of the most well-known leaders in Bangladesh and her foundation impacts millions of people.

In 2013 Nazma won the ASTRAIA Female Leader of the Year Award. Channel Four in the UK said she was leading a revolution and called her, "the powerful SGSF union leader who has risen to prominence through her defence of [the] country's female workforce."  Naturally, I was so nervous that I had to stop reading about her before I learned anything else that would ratchet up the pressure of the interview. Luckily, through the magic of audio editing, I have been eliminating much of my nervous stuttering and "ums."  And of course, Nazma was very friendly and open to answering all my questions which helped.

We spoke about her life as an exploited child factory worker, her personal story of being attacked by "goons" for protesting missed payments and the amazing organization that she helped build and lead that came out of those experiences.  I even had a chance to speak with her about the aftermath of the Rana Plaza tragedy, the influence of corporations in Bangladesh and why she won't run for Prime Minister.  Stay tuned--next week I will be posting my interview in three parts.  

Follow the podcast on Twitter or Facebook to get notified as episodes are released.

"Come Out And Play"--Maybe The Most Fun You'll Have This Summer!

July 6, 2015--Episode 4

Summer festivals regularly feature a few people performing in front of a mass of passive observers.  But Come Out And Play, hitting New York in mid-July, wants festival goers at the center of the games they have to offer.  In this episode I talk with co-founder and organizer Greg Trefry who walks me through this yearly celebration that turns the city streets and parks into playing fields, game boards and video screens.  Games like "Spaghetti Stand-Off," video games like "Churp Club" and sports like "Circle Rules Football" will be taking over DUMBO and Governor's Island on July 17th and 18th as part of this free event.  The festival will kickoff on July 16 at NYU's Game Center with designers talking about their games, giving attendees an inside view of the creative process.

Download the episode here.

I have to admit, I was pretty excited to do an episode about this festival.  Games are in my DNA as anyone who knows me can attest.  But, as Greg has discovered, they are also a great way to bring together a diverse community.  Moreover, throughout its ten-year history the festival has organized several games with a social conscience.  These include games that find ways of improving a neighborhood, reclaiming public space or educating participants.  For organizations looking to advocate and educate people on social causes, you might find this event has some inspirational ideas.

To learn more about the festival visit their web site.

Check out the real world game designer discussion, "Come Out And Say" at the NYU Game Center.

Want to volunteer?  Click here.

Don't want to go alone?  Hitch up with my meetup group (no need to RSVP).

A huge thanks to Greg for taking time out of his holiday weekend to speak with me.  And as always, a tip of my hat to NOFX for the opener.

The Impact Network--Transforming Zambia's Schools

June 15, 2015--Episode 3
by Bill Quinn

Download the episode here.

It's been a while (two months?) but I'm happy to be back on track.  And with an organization whose mission of bringing high quality education to rural Africa is close to my heart--the Impact Network.  In this episode I talk with the Executive Director, Reshma Patel, who is operating ten schools in Zambia.  Not only is the Impact Network running several schools but they are leading a revolution of technology and progressive teaching methods.  We talk about the challenges of building schools and how the Impact Network's approach is helping students, improving communities and creating an education model for the whole country.

Do yourself a favor and visit the Impact Network's web site to learn more about the terrific work they're doing.  There are also lots of ways to get involved from fundraising, interning and volunteering.

A technical note:  So if you've just found my podcast or you've been a follower from the beginning, this is a pretty loose operation.  As such, I'm discovering a world of technical hiccups that apparently come with the territory.  In this episode I explore how a slow computer/Skype connection can play havoc with my recording.  So for now, please pardon the many audio problems.

A big thank you to Reshma Patel for working around my schedule and enduring all of the technical issues (in addition to the normal personality issues I subject guests to).  And to NOFX whose song, "Franco UnAmerican," I keep stealing; thank you.  I look forward to the day you return my emails and officially give me permission to use it as the opener to my podcast,

Episode 2.5--The Sex Workers Project Edited!

download the episode here.

So it turns out that after two episodes not every nonprofit in New York is banging down my door to be featured.  So while I go out and shake down some nonprofit for an interview, check out episode 2.5--an edited version of my interview with Angela Torregoza from the Sex Workers Project.  Most content providers do an edited version then release a longer version later but you'll just have to deal with my genre-busting ways.

This is a convenient reminder that the Sex Workers Project's fundraiser is a month away!  Angela and I will both be there so I hope you can come by and say "hello."

For more information, visit the Sex Workers Project.

Also be sure to visit Angela's web site as well as her justice blog.

All thanks to Angela, The Sex Worker Project, Jaclyn and of course NOFX who has generously allowed me to pirate a theme song.

The Sex Worker Project--Helping Some of the Most Vulnerable

April 21, 2015—Episode 2

by Bill Quinn



Click for a downloadable version of the podcast.

This episode I interview criminal defense and immigration attorney volunteer Angela Torregoza. We talk about the many ways the Sex Worker Project is helping a very marginalized and stigmatized group.  We also learn more about a fundraising and networking event on June 11th as well as opportunities to volunteer and get involved.



For more information, visit the Sex Workers Project.  And be sure to check out their June 11th fundraiser,

Also be sure to visit Angela's web site as well as her justice blog.

Of course I want to thank Angela Torregoza and the Sex Workers Project for their time.  I would also like to thank Jaclyn Reyes for her support and for making the connection that resulted in this episode.  I'd also like to thank NOFX for writing such an amazing theme song.  I look forward one day to having their permission to use it.

A quick technical note:  I can embed different things on this blog post (as evidenced by the youtube video and picture) but have struggled mightily with Podomatic and Podbean and getting the podcast hosting sites to embed directly on this page.  I hope to have that cleared up soon.  Until then, please pardon the youtube video of the podcast.

Father’s Heart Ministry--Soup Kitchen Plus!

April 4, 2015—Episode 1

by Bill Quinn

Click for a downloadable version of the podcast.

In my first ever podcast I sat down with Father’s Heart Ministry’s very busy but delightful Jillian D’Angelo.  It took much chasing, but I finally caught up to her in a quiet  corner of the Brooklyn Public Library for ten minutes to learn more about the soup kitchen and all the other great things the Father’s Heart does for local residents.  If your vision of a soup kitchen is a gray, cold place where dead-eyed volunteers slosh soup into bowls, hearing about Father’s Heart may change your mind.

Visit the web site for Father’s Heart Ministry here.

Twitter with them here.

And don’t forget to join the volunteers for a drink on Thursday, April 30th at the 11^th Street Bar with the proceeds going back to Father’s Heart.

With that, I've now launched my first episode into the podcast-o-sphere (apparently fulfilling one of the requirements of being a modern Brooklyn resident).  I know there are a few obvious areas for improvement so let me hear your thoughts in the comment section or email me.  Also, if you work with a New York City non-profit organization and would like to be featured on a future podcast, contact me by filling out the form on the right.

See you next week for a new episode!

(While they haven't given permission, the opening song is NOFX's Franco UnAmerican)

The Journey of a Thousand Miles...

And away we go!

Welcome!

The aptly named Bill Quinn Podcast is now a thing.  What kind of 'thing?'  It is an opportunity for nonprofit workers and volunteers to share the great events and ideas that they have so passionately worked on.  As someone who has planned many nonprofit events at different museums I know all too well the difficulty of spreading the word about an amazing event when you have no budget.  But out of that experience came this idea to focus a fun, light-hearted podcast at promoting events that too often don't get the attention they deserve.

What does that mean for you?  I need people to talk to (Not that I'm not incredibly compelling on my own).  Tell your friend who is organizing a happy hour or your sibling who is volunteering at a fun run.  Or your coworker who's planning a happy hour fun run.  Hmmm...  I hope someone does that.  Seriously, any events run by nonprofits I'm interested in covering.

There are other benefits as well.  The podcast gives you another chance to mention and thank sponsors and other people who deserve recognition for their efforts.  And for my part I will promote your event on the many social networking sites that already have a growing following.

It can't hurt, right?

I convinced you?  Sweet!  Fill out the form on the right side of this page to get in contact and potentially (most likely) arrange a spot on a future episode.

I'm looking forward to speaking with you!