What happens when you mix high-stakes philanthropy, social justice work, and…ice cream and puppets? In this episode, we dive into how one consultant-turned-podcaster uses play, joy, and “currency of joy” to transform how donors give, nonprofits operate, and leaders sustain themselves for the long haul.
In this episode, Philip and Kristine Michie discuss:
- Life and career “lightbulb moments” across journalism and philanthropy
- Social justice consulting and working with philanthropists, family offices, and nonprofits
- Donor-advised funds, Half My DAF, and smarter giving strategies
- The tension around nonprofit “overhead” and sustainable operations
- Creating The Playfull Podcast, ice cream sponsorship, and using play for serious work
Lightbulb Moments:
- A career can be most fulfilling when personal values and professional work are fully intertwined, especially when that work is in service of others.
- Philanthropy is fundamentally different from traditional business because donors “buy” impact for someone else, which creates a powerful three-party relationship between donor, nonprofit, and beneficiary.
- Donor-advised funds can be both a smart tax strategy and a source of inertia; intentional structures like Half My DAF help ensure that money actually moves to communities and causes in need.
- Nonprofits should not be ashamed of operating costs—instead, they should confidently explain how administration and talent are essential to delivering real, sustainable impact.
- Infusing play, joy, and even ice cream into serious conversations about social change can build resilience, deepen connection, and sustain people doing difficult work over time.
“If you couldn’t imagine a better world, you wouldn’t work in the nonprofit sector. You’ve got to imagine it could be better or you wouldn’t go to work every day.” – Kristine Michie
Kristine Michie is Founder of ImpactFull, Inc., creator of Provocative Joy Retreats, Changemaker Camp, and host of the PlayFull Podcast: Bringing Fun to the Serious Work of Changing the World. Her firm reinvents change-sector strategies with fresh approaches, including Board Development & Delight, Balance & Joy meeting facilitation, and Better Giving coaching for funder collectives. A published author, panelist, and speaker, Kristine brings joy to changemakers worldwide.
Connect with Kristine Michie:
Website: https://www.impactfullinc.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-breese-michie/
Connect with Philip:
Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/
Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw
https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3
Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com or call 410-340-6861.
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