Dr. Charles F. Lomax, Jr. joins Matt and Alyson today to talk about what community empowerment looks like in Knoxville. Charles serves as the Community Empowerment Director of the City of Knoxville, where he leads community efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion, building opportunity for young people, and addressing disparities and injustice in our community.

Denise Dean, Director of East Tennessee Freedom Schools, joins Matt and Alyson to discuss her program and how she works to empower and uplift students. Through fostering a love of reading and encouraging thoughtful engagement, Denise and her team teach kids that they "can make a difference" with their vote and their voice.

Steve Corbett, author of When Helping Hurts, joins Matt and Alyson to talk about how some forms of charity can be toxic to the communities they are trying to serve. Together, they dive into conversation about how people can walk with communities in need and support them in a way that creates lasting change.

Community advocates Stephanie Welch, Chief Economic and Community Development Officer and Deputy to the Mayor of the City of Knoxville, and Addie Arbach, Founder and Executive Director of Next Step Initiative, join Matt and Alyson to discuss homelessness, drug abuse, affordable housing, and how you can step in to find solutions in your community.

Joined by Rodney Prunty, President/CEO at United Way of Central New Mexico, Alyson and Matt dive into equity and inclusion work, uplifting diverse voices, the importance of truly listening to your community, and more.

Matt and Alyson are joined by Restoration House founder and director Daniel Watson as they discuss nonprofit growth and leadership, collaboration, volunteer management, and more.

Matt and Alyson are joined by Suzanne McCormick, United Way Worldwide's U.S. President, where they discuss nonprofit burnout, the evolution of United Way, and... TikTok dinner recipes?

In this introductory episode, join hosts Matt and Alyson as they each share what they believe are the biggest challenges facing philanthropy right now.