Episodes

  • Business Trash Talk with Tia Johnson

    Business Trash Talk with Tia Johnson
    Mar 24 2026

    Tia Johnson was a mother of three climbing the corporate ladder in 2013 when she reached a breaking point. She knew she wanted to instill something more in her children and redefine what wealth really meant beyond just a paycheck. After a frustrated argument with her teenage son about a smelly trash bin, a lightbulb went off: nobody actually wants to clean their trash cans. What started as a relatable household pain point turned into Fresh Bloom Bins, a venture that eventually blossomed into Fresh Environmental Services.

    Tia leveraged free community resources and leaned into her natural grit to navigate the challenges of the 2020 pandemic. By listening to the specific needs of municipalities and property managers, she moved beyond simple cleaning to offer a full environmental services model. Her journey is a masterclass in staying flexible, asking the right questions, and understanding that even something as overlooked as waste management is a key factor in community equity and quality of life. Today, she is helping property managers manage the complicated logistics of waste while empowering her employees to see that no one is a "throwaway" person.

    Episode in a glance

    01:06 Breaking free from the corporate burnout

    03:06 Lessons in grit from a childhood paper route

    06:23 How a smelly trash can became a business

    11:17 Winning municipal bids by asking the right questions

    17:55 Pivoting into Fresh Environmental Services

    About Tia Johnson

    Tia Johnson is the founder of Fresh Environmental Services (formerly Fresh Bloom Bins). She is a mission driven entrepreneur dedicated to improving waste management logistics for multifamily properties and communities. Through her Clean Community Program and upcoming "She Speaks Trashy" brand, she focuses on quality of life, sustainability, and empowering people through purposeful work.

    Connect with Tia Johnson and her work

    Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-johnson-environmental-services

    Website → https://freshtrashservice.com
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    34 mins
  • Creating a Clear Offer for Finding Revenue

    Creating a Clear Offer for Finding Revenue
    Mar 30 2026

    Do you ever feel like your passion for change is miles ahead of the actual business model keeping you afloat?

    We have all been there. You get into this work because you love the community and want to solve a real problem, but then the business side of things starts to feel a little scary. It is easy to get stuck in imposter syndrome, wondering if what you are offering is actually worth the price tag. But here is the truth: a strong revenue stream isn't a distraction from your mission. It is the engine that helps you scale that impact to a whole new level.

    The secret to getting unstuck is starting small. Instead of spending months building a massive product in isolation, try running tiny revenue tests. Think $10 digital products or quick offers that take just a few hours to create. This is how you learn what people are actually willing to pay for before you commit your life to an idea. It is about understanding the dream outcome your audience wants and building a bridge to get them there. Whether you are partnering with local nonprofits to share resources or moving into high ticket consulting, the goal is to keep your messaging and your impact consistent. When you stop guessing and start having real conversations, the path to growth becomes much clearer.

    Episode in a glance

    00:00 Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship and Revenue Models

    00:17 Why business models matter for scaling impact

    02:51 The power of the $10 micro-offer test

    05:29 Creating Effective Offers for Social Impact

    07:34 Navigating impact audiences versus paying customers

    10:49 Building Partnerships for Greater Impact

    13:08 Developing a Consistent Business Model

    15:26 Scaling Your Business and Revenue Streams

    About Adam Morris

    Adam Morris is the founder and host of People Helping People. He launched the podcast in 2017 with the vision to learn and share what is possible through social entrepreneurship, as well as to give individuals the tools to successfully start their own impact ventures. He is passionate about connecting people and creating a world that will thrive for generations.

    Connect with Adam and his work

    → People Helping People

    → Linkedin

    → Instagram

    → Youtube
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    25 mins
  • Design Thinking for Social Impact

    Design Thinking for Social Impact
    Mar 17 2026

    Are you building your social enterprise in a "basement" of isolation, or are you developing it alongside the community you actually serve?

    Social entrepreneurship attracts people with a deep desire to solve community problems, but many of these founders fall into the trap of building their vision in total isolation. Adam Morris explores why the "perfect" plan often fails while the "messy" test succeeds. Using the cautionary tale of two underwater vehicle companies, the discussion highlights how early failure is actually a competitive advantage. One company spent ten years engineering the perfect vessel only to go bankrupt, while the other "crashed" early, learned quickly, and eventually dominated the market.

    We dive into the journey of Jerry from Renter Mentor, who bypassed high-tech coding to first sit down with landlords and discover their true pain points through focus groups and "speed dating" sessions. This approach to Applied Design Thinking isn't about colorful sticky notes; it’s a disciplined way to identify your riskiest assumptions. Whether they involve your customer, your revenue model, or your actual social impact.

    By shifting the focus from building a "car" to building a "skateboard," founders can stop guessing and start creating solutions that people are actually ready to support.

    Episode in a glance

    00:00 Defining social entrepreneurship and the two types of founders

    02:46 Learning by doing: The tale of two submarine companies

    05:33 Success story: How Renter Mentor used focus groups to pivot

    07:31 Understanding Design Thinking

    09:33 The MVP explained

    11:38 Six core assumptions every social entrepreneur makes

    16:13 Avoiding bias: The Mom Test by Robert Fitzpatrick

    17:25 Five practical tests to validate your idea

    19:03 Why revenue and pre-order tests are the ultimate signal

    About Adam Morris

    Adam Morris is the founder and host of People Helping People. He launched the podcast in 2017 with the vision to learn and share what is possible through social entrepreneurship, as well as to give individuals the tools to successfully start their own impact ventures. He is passionate about connecting people and creating a world that will thrive for generations.

    Connect with Adam and his work

    → People Helping People

    → Linkedin

    → Instagram

    → Youtube
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    24 mins
  • Social Impact Marketing with Hannah Nichol

    Social Impact Marketing with Hannah Nichol
    Mar 9 2026

    Are you just making noise, or are you actually moving your audience from awareness to action?

    Hannah Nichol, the founder and CEO of Mane Impact, joins the show to share how values-driven brands can cut through the digital clutter. Social entrepreneurs often get caught in the trap of "Frankensteining" their marketing by piecing together random social media posts and emails without a cohesive plan.

    This conversation breaks down the shift from short-term tactics to a long-term strategy that builds trust and scales impact. It explores the marathon-like nature of marketing, the importance of focusing on quality over quantity in the early stages, and the emerging movement of "digital sustainability."

    For any founder staring at a blank sheet of paper, this discussion provides a clear roadmap for turning a mission into a movement.

    Episode in a glance

    03:13 Hannah's Journey to Mane Impact

    04:57 Strategy vs. Tactics: What marketing actually means

    06:35 Nonprofits vs. For-Profits in Marketing

    09:01 Early Stage Marketing Strategies

    10:18 Budgeting for Marketing Success

    17:03 Knowing When to Outsource Marketing

    18:20 The Evolution of Nashville's Social Impact Scene

    22:33 Being a change-maker vs. a noise-maker in 2026

    26:40 Connecting with Mane Impact

    About Hannah Nichol

    Hannah Nichol is the founder and CEO of Mane Impact, an agency dedicated to amplifying the voices of brands making a positive difference. With experience spanning retail, tech startups, and nonprofits, she specializes in strategic branding and authentic storytelling for organizations that prioritize purpose alongside profit.

    Connect with Hannah Nichol and her work

    Visit the Mane Impact Website → maneimpact.com

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/maneimpact/?hl=en

    YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@maneimpact

    LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/mane-impact/

    Email Hannah → hello@maneimpact.com
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    28 mins
  • Welcome to Season 3 - Growing Stronger Impact

    Welcome to Season 3 - Growing Stronger Impact
    Mar 3 2026

    How do you build a sustainable business when your primary goal is social change rather than just a bottom line?

    After a two-year break, People Helping People is back with Season 3.

    This season is all about the "how-to" of social entrepreneurship, helping you bridge the gap between having a heart for change and running a business that actually scales. Building a social enterprise is a unique challenge. You aren’t just a nonprofit chasing grants, but you aren’t a typical for-profit startup only focused on revenue. You’re somewhere in the middle.

    Adam talks about why social entrepreneurs think differently and why things like marketing, sales, and finance are actually the engines that keep your mission alive.

    Adam gets honest about his own journey. He shares his transition from a 25-year tech career to launching a t-shirt brand for youth experiencing homelessness. He also opens up about being an entrepreneur and the awkwardness of finally starting a video challenge on social media.

    This season isn't just about tips; it’s about community. Whether you're tackling homelessness or building a neighborhood tool library, you don't have to do it alone. Adam previews a season full of expert guests, deep dives into business models, and the peer support you need to turn a blank sheet of paper into a thriving impact venture.

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship

    02:41 Navigating Business Development for Social Enterprises

    04:48 The Journey of a Social Entrepreneur

    08:11 Vision for People Helping People Podcast
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    11 mins
  • Bestowed Essentials’ Callee Ackland Knows Making a Choice Brings Entrepreneurs Closer to Clarity

    Bestowed Essentials’ Callee Ackland Knows Making a Choice Brings Entrepreneurs Closer to Clarity
    Jan 19 2021

    Send us a text

    Callee Ackland discussed how her commitment to a zero-waste lifestyle developed into Bestowed Essentials and Hippie Haven. Interest in sustainable products came to Callee in 2016 after a purchase of hand-made soap. From then on, Callee stayed mindful of the ingredients and sources of the skincare she used in her daily life. She gave herself one year to develop her soap-making business full time, which is now Bestowed Essentials.A sustainable lifestyle was a standard to Callee who grew up in places that gave her a different relationship to sustainability than people growing up in other parts of the country. Once she watched Netflix’s A Plastic Ocean, her approach towards her business and life shifted. We briefly discussed why audiences should be aware of companies and sustainability, such as the marketing tactics trying to transfer responsibility away from larger brands. Consumers have power in how and where they consistently spend their money.Callee brought attention to the fact that everyone can participate in change. She reassured that everyone’s best effort can look different. If you decided to bring your own bags for groceries, and your neighbor switched to more sustainable brands, both impacts compound. Callee shared that “...every one of these different actions does add up.” Continuing on, Callee explained her observations on why recycling is part of the pollution problem, the purpose of mutual aid, and knowing how to make a change in your own community.South Dakota’s community is one of the main influences of Hippie Haven, a retail store & community space with seemingly endless opportunities for social impact. One of the opportunities is a donation drop-off for the indigenous-led organization Camp Mniluzahan. Callee shared insight around the organization’s efforts in the community being an example of mutual aid.Callee’s community connections are also the reason she went from selling her products in the back of her van to being stocked in 200 stores. Even more so, she reminisced on the lesson that entrepreneurs don’t need to do everything alone, and shouldn’t try to. She explained how the business eventually scaled enough to require a second level of management, and how she deals with managing people while being a visionary.During the pandemic, Callee’s ventures experienced disruption, but found ways to pull through. Callee shared what it’s like being the recipient of grants from Stacy's Rise Project and the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation. Besides assistance, Callee found discipline and adapting useful in her journey, and we both spoke on the grit that comes with a lack of resources.Hippie Haven is also the name of Callee’s podcast. A major part of the podcast is to speak about sustainability topics in plain English that is accessible for the general public. Soon the podcast grew into much more, but it’s all part of Callee’s approach to impact. She gave advice about her approach and shared she’ll be adding the nonprofit Zero Waste Business Alliance as part of her impact.If you would like to learn more, you can listen to the podcast, visit the store, browse the product line, or connect on Instagram, Facebook and youtube.
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    41 mins
  • Jen O’Ryan of Double Tall Helps Company Staff Expand their Worldview by Sharing Perspectives in a Safe Space

    Jen O’Ryan of Double Tall Helps Company Staff Expand their Worldview by Sharing Perspectives in a Safe Space
    May 7 2021

    Send us a text

    Jen O’Ryan from Double Tall discussed diversity and inclusion as it relates to the LGBTQ community, and how companies can welcome diversity.

    Double Tall provides service as a consulting firm for strategy, design, and implementation. Jen also placed her knowledge in her book “Inclusive AF: A Field Guide for ‘Accidental’ Diversity Experts”, which explains how to cultivate a more welcoming workplace.

    Read the full transcript and show notes
    Visit People Helping People
    Visit doubletallllc.com
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    42 mins
  • GiveBackHack’s Emily Stuhldreher Suggests Social Enterprises Focus on Small Prototypes Followed by Feedback

    GiveBackHack’s Emily Stuhldreher Suggests Social Enterprises Focus on Small Prototypes Followed by Feedback
    Feb 4 2021

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    Emily Stuhldreher shared insights into getting social enterprises up and running after years of work with GiveBackHack. There’s an entire community of social enterprises in Ohio that connect to GiveBackHack, including previous guests and myself. Emily talked through a lot of what it takes to build and validate the ideas we start with when embarking on the road of social enterprise.Our conversation started with updates on how the initiative is operating. Emily shared the transition of connecting with the community virtually. Last year, GiveBackHack held the event virtually for the first time. Participants were still able to build together and feel a team harmony. I also attended, so we discussed some ideas that we saw at the virtual GiveBackHack.When beginning a social enterprise, understanding the issue as an experience builds a foundation for the idea. Emily reflected on GiveBackHack over the years, noting the most successful ideas have experience or know someone with experience related to the issue. Emily called for social entrepreneurs to understand and challenge assumptions about the problem they are approaching. Sometimes, idea development requires learning about more lived experiences, then, circling back to your idea to integrate perspectives of the people with the experiences.Emily gave a lesson of the importance of feedback, the MVP (minimum viable product), and the design thinking process. She cautioned about the effort and losses associated with not confirming the needs of the community you engage with. This shifted into a discussion on social enterprise being a model where teams need to validate ideas and validate impact. Emily explained an approach to actively validating ideas by sharing the journey of previous GiveBackHack participant Renter Mentor. The initiative connects residents needing low-income housing with the landlords that will rent to them.Most of the impact social enterprises create by forming scalable small impacts. Emily expressed her thoughts on individual commitment to impact. She is a system change advocate but also emphasized her belief in the “... one-to-one impact you can have as a person by living your life as a person who's passionate about impact and cares about helping others.” Emily then gave insight on ways engaging with the impact community can help develop our scalable shared impact.In fact, scalable shared impact can lead to recognizing gaps in problems. There may be an angle or perspective of the problem that is not being fully addressed. That gap becomes an excellent opportunity to assist the community. Emily spoke about Upchieve, a 24/7 high school tutoring initiative, to illustrate the point of identifying issue gaps.Winding down, we discussed finding volunteer opportunities to stay in touch with communities. People living in Columbus may want to start with Point app, Columbus Gives Back, and BESA as resources for volunteering. You can start by engaging with people, then developing small prototypes to get feedback from stakeholders of the problems. Repeat this process to continue optimizing the impact you bring.If you would like to learn more, you can visit GiveBackHack, their Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.
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    43 mins