The Development Download Podcast

In this episode of The Development Download, Dr. Nhung Tran, Director of Stewardship and Donor Experience at Rice University, joins us to explore the neuroscience behind donor communication. We talk about what's happening in the brain when people encounter fundraising messages, how brain chemistry can influence attention, connection, and response, and what fundraisers can learn from that science as we think more intentionally about how we communicate with our audiences. Nhung Tran, DBA | LinkedIn

In this episode of The Development Download, Peggy Rhoads, CFRE, Senior Director of Development at The Health Museum and a member of the AFP Global Ethics Committee, joins us to talk about ethics in fundraising. In recognition of AFP Global's Ethics Month in October, we discuss the work of the committee, why ethics matter, the resources available to AFP members, and practical ways to make ethical reflection part of our everyday work.   For resources on fundraising ethics, visit AFP Global's Ethics page: https://afpglobal.org/ethics   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-rhoads-cfre/

What happens when the namesake of an award sits down with the person receiving it? In this episode of The Development Download, M. Anne Murphy and Nicole McWhorter join us to talk about the M. Anne Murphy Award for Professional Advancement, the growth of fundraising as a profession in Houston, and the responsibility development professionals share in helping move the field forward.   They reflect on mentorship, curiosity, professional growth, and the people who shaped their own careers. We also look ahead to the 40th anniversary of National Philanthropy Day on November 11 and what the event means to Houston's fundraising community.   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemcwhorter/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-anne-murphy-6918377/

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Anne Marie Blacketer, CFRE, CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, and Dr. Dan Price, Director of Data & Society and the Community Health Worker Initiative at the University of Houston Honors College. Anne Marie and Dan share the story of an organic partnership rooted in public health, community education, and aligned mission. Both bring deep knowledge of the issues facing Greater Houston, along with a clear passion for improving health outcomes and expanding access to trusted information.   What began as shared interest and mutual respect has grown into a collaboration that crosses organizational boundaries and resists the silos that can too often limit nonprofit work. Their conversation offers a case study in what can happen when partners are driven first by community impact, with fundraising and future grant opportunities growing naturally from that shared work.   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-blacketer-cfre-13b980/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-price-70b4b246/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/lupus-foundation-of-america-texas-gulf-coast-chapter-inc/ https://www.linkedin.com/school/uh-honors/

Recorded live at AFP Greater Houston's Ask the Experts conference on June 16, 2026, this episode of The Development Download brings together 25 voices from across our fundraising community to answer one question: Can you share a relationship that started as a simple connection but grew into something much more meaningful? Their answers touch on mentorship, career growth, friendship, and the unexpected ways one conversation can shape a path forward.   Featured Voices:    Gayla Wilson Andrea Romero Andrea Ward Abby Trahan Madeline Sebastian Jennifer Kapral Kristyna Torres Cheryl Worley Jessy Napier Kamari Brewer Matt Pham Samantha Sheets-Olinsky Nicole Moore-Kriel Liz Bear Derrick Owens Kinsey Crabtree Lena Khattab Corey Chao Kelly J. Zúñiga Lilia Duque Michelle Monaco Angela Seaworth Marty Murad Alexandria Hodge Kelsey George

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Audra Jesudason, Vice President of Philanthropy and Membership, Lisa Marie Avendano, Chief Operating Officer, and Kirsten Ufer, Senior Creative Director at the Houston Zoo. Workplace culture is one of those things everyone talks about, but it can be difficult to define and even harder to build. In this conversation, we explore how the Houston Zoo has cultivated a culture of connection among its staff, the role leadership plays in fostering it, and the benefits a friendship-forward workplace can have for both employees and organizational success. LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/houston-zoo/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrajes/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lma713/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-ufer-56ab5010/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmikaylabrown/

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Sara Ralston, M.Ed., Associate Director of Operations for the Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Rice University's Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. We explore what brings fundraisers to seek out additional training, credentials, or continuing education. Sara shares what participants are typically hoping to gain, what they often walk away with beyond their expectations, and how to think strategically about investing in your own growth. We also discuss the programs offered through Rice's Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, including who they may be a fit for and what prospective participants can expect. If you've been considering how to grow in your fundraising or nonprofit career, this episode offers helpful perspective on approaching professional development with intention. LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ralston-61a56a50/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Jamie Spiva, CFRE, Senior Director of Major Gifts and Foundations at Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, and LaGina Rae Harris, owner of The Us Space and a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur. Jamie also serves as Chair of AFP Greater Houston's 2026 Ask the Experts Conference. Together, we explore how to make networking actually work for you. We focus on one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of networking: the follow-up. Jamie and Lagina share creative, actionable ways to build on the energy of a first meeting and turn introductions into meaningful relationships. We also preview this year's Ask the Experts Conference and its new focus on facilitated networking. If you've ever felt unsure about networking, or want to get more out of the connections you're already making, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Michelle Buchanan, Principal at Dini Spheris. Michelle brings a hiring-side perspective to a conversation many professionals are navigating right now: how to stand out in a crowded job market. We walk through the full job search cycle, from networking and resume submission to interviews and follow-up. Michelle shares what actually gets noticed, common missteps candidates make, and practical ways to position yourself more strategically at every stage of the process. If you are actively job hunting or preparing for your next move, this episode offers clear, actionable insights to help you become the obvious yes. LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebuchanan1/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/dinispheris/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Shelly Millwee and Jess Ansel from Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Shelly serves as President and CEO, and Jess is Vice President of Philanthropy. Together, they share how their chapter built a seven-figure gala from the ground up. We explore the thoughtful planning and foresight behind the event, how they centered mission at every stage, and how they designed meaningful, mission-driven moments that inspired guests. This conversation is a strong reminder that successful galas don't happen by accident. They're designed, planned, and executed with purpose.   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellymillwee/ Https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaygoodman/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-a-wish-texas-gulf-coast-and-louisiana/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/