58: Why I Wrote Giving is Selfish — Two Years Later

What if changing the world started right outside your front door? In this episode of You Are A Philanthropist, Jenn Klein talks with community builder, neighboring advocate, and historian David Burton about the power of becoming an engaged neighbor. David shares how realizing he knew only two neighbors after 18 years in the same home sparked a personal—and eventually professional—mission to strengthen neighborhoods through relationships, kindness, and connection. Together, Jenn and David explore how simple actions like learning a neighbor’s name, lending a helping hand, gathering people together, or simply noticing someone can create belonging, combat loneliness, and build stronger communities. David also shares how his Christian faith inspired his journey and reminds listeners that philanthropy doesn’t have to come from your wallet—it can come from your calendar, your toolbox, your front porch, and your willingness to show up for the people around you. In this epsiode, you will learn: The importance of knowing neighbors' names and small gesturesPersonal stories of neighborhood kindness and impactThe concept of social capital and community developmentResearch findings on neighborhood socialization and lonelinessPractical steps to start neighboring todayNoteworthy Quotes:"Love is an action, not just a feeling.""Small gestures can have a big impact.""Building social capital starts with knowing your neighbors' names."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the importance of neighboring01:51 Personal story: how small acts of kindness changed a neighborhood04:52 The role of social capital in community strength08:09 Research on neighborhood socialization and loneliness12:03 Practical ways to start neighboring today15:06 The ripple effect of small acts of kindness17:58 The impact of intentional neighboring on mental health21:14 The story of the starfish and helping one person24:01 Getting involved: simple actions to build community28:03 The importance of knowing and using neighbors' names30:48 Starting small: get-togethers and simple gestures36:06 The influence of faith and personal motivation40:02 A vision for a better, more connected world44:00 Practical advice for beginning your neighboring journeyJenn Klein is a health and wellness coach who empowers everyday philanthropists to improve their well-being through generosity, storytelling, and holistic practices.Connect with Jenn:Download my FREE guide, The Busy Giver’s Guide to Feeling Better Fast, at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book, Giving Is Selfish, on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comRequest a free 30-min Discovery callConnect on LinkedIn: Jenn Klein, CFREInstagram: _Jennklein

In this inspiring conversation, Jenn sits down with philanthropist Britten Schenk to talk about how generosity became an important part of his recovery from significant health challenges. Britten shares how his personal experiences reshaped his perspective, strengthened his sense of purpose, and inspired him to find meaningful ways to serve others.Together, Jenn and Britten explore the connection between giving and well-being, the importance of finding purpose during difficult seasons, and how helping others can bring renewed hope, connection, and joy.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Britten’s health challenges influenced his philanthropic journeyWhy giving can provide purpose during seasons of recoveryHow generosity can support emotional well-being and connectionWhy you do not need perfect circumstances to make a differenceBritten reminds us that even during life’s hardest seasons, we still have something meaningful to offer—and that giving to others can sometimes become part of our own healing.Next steps:Download my FREE guide, The Busy Giver’s Guide to Feeling Better Fast, at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book, Giving Is Selfish, on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comSchedule a free 30-min Discovery call: https://calendly.com/youareaphilanthropist/Email me: [email protected] Klein is a health and wellness coach who empowers everyday philanthropists to improve their well-being through generosity, storytelling, and holistic practices.Connect with Jenn:Download my FREE guide, The Busy Giver’s Guide to Feeling Better Fast, at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book, Giving Is Selfish, on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comRequest a free 30-min Discovery callConnect on LinkedIn: Jenn Klein, CFREInstagram: _Jennklein

In this episode, Jenn Klein interviews Michelle Highberg, co-founder of Just Gather Wellness, a nonprofit focused on improving mental wellness through digital detox, gratitude, nature, and the arts. Michelle shares how rising screen dependency and social disconnection inspired her mission to help youth and families reconnect with themselves and others. She discusses the power of gratitude, breathwork, and emotional regulation, and emphasizes that philanthropy is not about money—but about love, presence, and serving humanity. Listeners will leave inspired to cultivate inner peace, practice daily gratitude, and become instruments of positive change in their communities.Jenn Klein is a health and wellness coach who empowers everyday philanthropists to improve their well-being through generosity, storytelling, and holistic practices.Connect with Jenn:Download my FREE guide, The Busy Giver’s Guide to Feeling Better Fast, at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book, Giving Is Selfish, on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comRequest a free 30-min Discovery callConnect on LinkedIn: Jenn Klein, CFREInstagram: _Jennklein

In this heartfelt and deeply compassionate episode, Jenn sits down with Allison Schaaf — Founder of Miscarriage Hope Desk, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women through pregnancy loss and fertility struggles. Allison opens up about her own journey with recurrent miscarriage, the loneliness and unanswered questions she faced, and how those painful experiences led her to create a place of evidence-based resources, community, and hope for others walking the same road. Together, we explore the power of storytelling and shared grief and how philanthropy can grow out of the hardest chapters of our lives. Whether you have personally experienced loss or love someone who has, this episode offers validation, comfort, and a reminder that no one should have to navigate this journey alone.You can find Miscarriage Hope Desk on their website www.miscarriagehopedesk.org, on instagram, Substack, and wherever you listen to your podcasts.Next steps with Jenn:Download my FREE Guide "The Busy Givers Guide to Feeling Better Fast" on my website at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book "Giving is Selfish" on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comGet on my calendar to for a one-hour coaching call: https://calendly.com/youareaphilanthropist/Email me: [email protected] Klein is a health and wellness coach who empowers everyday philanthropists to improve their well-being through generosity, storytelling, and holistic practices.Connect with Jenn:Download my FREE guide, The Busy Giver’s Guide to Feeling Better Fast, at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book, Giving Is Selfish, on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comRequest a free 30-min Discovery callConnect on LinkedIn: Jenn Klein, CFREInstagram: _Jennklein

Start your day with purpose, peace, and generosity.In this short episode, Jenn guides you through powerful, heart-centered truths designed to ground you in who you are: a giver, a helper, a light in your community. These affirmations will help you:✨ Begin the morning with clarity and calm✨ Connect to your calling as a philanthropist next door✨ Release pressure and step into joy✨ Invite abundance, gratitude, and love into your day✨ Remember how your small acts create a ripple effect of good Take a deep breath.Let these words settle into your heart.You were made to give and live well — and this is your reminder. Press play and carry this generosity with you today.Jenn Klein is a health and wellness coach who empowers everyday philanthropists to improve their well-being through generosity, storytelling, and holistic practices.Connect with Jenn:Download my FREE guide, The Busy Giver’s Guide to Feeling Better Fast, at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book, Giving Is Selfish, on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comRequest a free 30-min Discovery callConnect on LinkedIn: Jenn Klein, CFREInstagram: _Jennklein

Today, Giving is Selfish is celebrating its two-year anniversary  — and the ripple effect has stretched farther than I ever imagined, reaching readers in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Australia, and The Netherlands.In this special anniversary episode, I:📖 Read an excerpt from the book — my personal story of growing up around generosity💬 Share powerful reviews from readers who’ve felt its impact🌱 Reflect on how giving can fill us up instead of draining us🎁 Announce a special anniversary sale on the book through the end of the monthThis book is for the everyday philanthropist — the parent, volunteer, nonprofit leader, caregiver, or community builder — who gives so much of themselves and deserves to feel the joy that comes from living generously.🎧 Listen in, celebrate with me, and help spread the ripple effect of good.Next steps:Download my FREE Guide "The Busy Givers Guide to Feeling Better Fast" on my website at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book "Giving is Selfish" on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comGet on my calendar to for a one-hour coaching call: https://calendly.com/youareaphilanthropist/Email me: [email protected] Klein is a health and wellness coach who empowers everyday philanthropists to improve their well-being through generosity, storytelling, and holistic practices.Connect with Jenn:Download my FREE guide, The Busy Giver’s Guide to Feeling Better Fast, at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book, Giving Is Selfish, on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comRequest a free 30-min Discovery callConnect on LinkedIn: Jenn Klein, CFREInstagram: _Jennklein

In this inspiring conversation, Jenn sits down with Heidi Johnson, Founder of Charity Matters — a platform amplifying the stories of everyday changemakers who are making a difference in their communities. Heidi shares how a personal loss became the catalyst for a movement that has inspired thousands. She talks about what drives people to give, the ripple effect of generosity, and how storytelling can be one of the most powerful tools for good.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Heidi turned pain into purpose through philanthropyWhy storytelling can transform the way we think about givingHow ordinary people can create extraordinary changeThe power of hope, resilience, and community impactHeidi reminds us that philanthropy starts with one person deciding to make a difference — and that person can be you.Next steps:Download my FREE Guide "The Busy Givers Guide to Feeling Better Fast" on my website at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book "Giving is Selfish" on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comGet on my calendar to for a one-hour coaching call: https://calendly.com/youareaphilanthropist/Email me: [email protected] Klein is a health and wellness coach who empowers everyday philanthropists to improve their well-being through generosity, storytelling, and holistic practices.Connect with Jenn:Download my FREE guide, The Busy Giver’s Guide to Feeling Better Fast, at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book, Giving Is Selfish, on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comRequest a free 30-min Discovery callConnect on LinkedIn: Jenn Klein, CFREInstagram: _Jennklein

Starting fresh with Season 5, I’m back—and today I’m sharing why I stepped away, what’s ahead for the podcast, and why generosity matters now more than ever. In this episode, I talk about:What led to my pause and what I learned from itThe heart of You Are A Philanthropist and why it’s not changingUpcoming episodes you can look forward toHow small acts of kindness—like office baked goods—can lift heavy daysWhy generosity is part of healing in divided and difficult timesIf the world has felt heavy lately, this episode is a reminder that everyday generosity still creates ripples of hope.Next steps:Download my FREE Guide "The Busy Givers Guide to Feeling Better Fast" on my website at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book "Giving is Selfish" on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comGet on my calendar to for a one-hour coaching call: https://calendly.com/youareaphilanthropist/Email me: [email protected] Klein is a health and wellness coach who empowers everyday philanthropists to improve their well-being through generosity, storytelling, and holistic practices.Connect with Jenn:Download my FREE guide, The Busy Giver’s Guide to Feeling Better Fast, at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book, Giving Is Selfish, on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comRequest a free 30-min Discovery callConnect on LinkedIn: Jenn Klein, CFREInstagram: _Jennklein

In this episode, we talk with Riri from the Reimagining Life Podcast. Riri is a disability advocate as a podcast host sharing stories of hope, resilience, and support. Tune in to hear about how Riri is making the world a better place through sharing stories and offering support to those who need to be uplifted.For more information on this episode, please go to my website at www.youareaphilanthropist.com/podcastCheck out Riri's favorite charities she recommends supporting: World Kitchen, UNICEF, and Special OlympicsWhat if you could change the world today without being drained of your time and energy? Next steps:Purchase my book "Giving is Selfish" on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/aIRhmM1Join my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comGet on my calendar to for a one-hour coaching call: https://calendly.com/youareaphilanthropist/Sign up for my free newsletter and go to my website for more details: www.youareaphilanthropist.comEmail me: [email protected] Klein is a health and wellness coach who empowers everyday philanthropists to improve their well-being through generosity, storytelling, and holistic practices.Connect with Jenn:Download my FREE guide, The Busy Giver’s Guide to Feeling Better Fast, at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book, Giving Is Selfish, on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comRequest a free 30-min Discovery callConnect on LinkedIn: Jenn Klein, CFREInstagram: _Jennklein

In this episode, we talk with philanthropist Jennifer Cunningham. Jennifer has led teams that have managed thousands of volunteers at Cornell and Lehigh Universities and personally volunteered at a dozen organizations in her life. Tune in to hear how Jennifer is making the world a better place through nonprofit leadership and volunteering in her community, too.For more information on this episode, please go to my website at www.youareaphilanthropist.com/podcastCheck out Jennifer's favorite charities she recommends supporting: Rotary International and CAT-Coalition for Appropriate Transportation.What if you could change the world today without being drained of your time and energy? Next steps:Purchase my book "Giving is Selfish" on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/aIRhmM1Join my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comGet on my calendar to for a one-hour coaching call: https://calendly.com/youareaphilanthropist/Sign up for my free newsletter and go to my website for more details: www.youareaphilanthropist.comEmail me: [email protected] Klein is a health and wellness coach who empowers everyday philanthropists to improve their well-being through generosity, storytelling, and holistic practices.Connect with Jenn:Download my FREE guide, The Busy Giver’s Guide to Feeling Better Fast, at www.youareaphilanthropist.comPurchase my book, Giving Is Selfish, on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/03juDIvJoin my community of philanthropists at jennklein.substack.comRequest a free 30-min Discovery callConnect on LinkedIn: Jenn Klein, CFREInstagram: _Jennklein