Calibration Point Podcast

In the seventy-seventh episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, we’re sharing a portion of our recent free JDLA Lunch & Learn, What Is the Right Media Mix to Drive Growth for Your Nonprofit? Jake Stamper explores how nonprofit leaders can think more intentionally about the communication tools they use and how those tools work together to strengthen relationships, engagement, and growth. If you weren’t able to join us live, this episode brings the heart of that conversation to the podcast.

In the seventy-sixth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie Levy shares key findings from JDLA’s 2026 Executive Director Health and Wellness Assessment. He explores the pressures nonprofit leaders continue to carry—including staffing shortages, funding challenges, board engagement, and leadership sustainability—while highlighting the resilience and hope that remain strong across the sector.

In the seventy-fifth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie and Jay Height discuss trying something surprisingly simple: making people smile. Jay shares how “Indigo the Blue Jay,” a puppet created for Shepherd Community Center, has become a creative tool for communicating with board members, donors, families, students, and staff in ways that feel personal, memorable, and strategic.

In the seventy-fourth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie and Bob Jones discuss how organizations can strengthen their culture and effectiveness by intentionally adopting a mission-first way of thinking. Through reflections on board service, fundraising, staffing, and leadership, Jamie and Bob Jones show that when people truly believe in and align with the mission, they build stronger relationships, make better decisions, and create a more lasting foundation for the future.

In the seventy-third episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, JDLA sits down with Zac Kester (EVP at Donum) to unpack a quietly game-changing idea: charitable gift financing—using strategic, non-recourse loans to increase giving while creating meaningful tax efficiency. If you’ve ever wondered how donors can unlock significantly larger philanthropy without “writing a bigger check,” this conversation lays out the mechanics, the risk safeguards, and why the long-term upside can benefit both charities and families.

In the seventh-second episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Holly Sullivan - CEO of Youth First - and Jamie unpack what happens when a deeply invested board member steps off the dais and into the CEO chair. Learn the inside story of a board-to-CEO succession done with transparency, intentional timing, and deep relational trust — with staff, donors, and a 30+ member board. Their dialogue challenges every board member to ask a bold question: “Do I believe in this mission enough that I’d consider working here?"

In the seventy-first episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie and Senator John Crane wrap up their six segment series on leadership. Having already covered The Who, Where, Why and How, Jamie and Senator Crane walk through how to put these key things into place to create a successful leadership system. Don't miss listening in as they "land the plane" on this impactful series.

On the seventieth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie and Senator John Crane continue on their leadership series with segment five, focusing on the "how". With only two segments remaining, you won't want to miss listening in as they continue to breakdown effective leadership.

On the sixty-ninth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie and Senator John Crane continue their acclaimed Leadership Series with "Segment 4: The Who of Leadership." The critical first "who" is ourselves. Senator Crane explains that our ability to impact others is directly tied to our personal disciplines, clarity of mission and purpose, and life outlook. The fundamental lesson: we must master self-leadership before we can effectively lead others. Tune in as Jamie and John deep-dive into integrating the principles of leading yourself and leading others.

On this sixty-eighth episode of The Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie and Senator John Crane continue their popular leadership series, focusing on the critical question: Where are you going? Many don't realize how deeply connected the "Why" and the "Where" of leadership truly are. Tune in as Jamie and John break down how to map a path forward and ensure your current direction perfectly aligns with your overall mission.