In this special episode, Jeff speaks with the author of “How to Buy Essentially Nothing for a Year,”Elizabeth Chai, about her story and path to minimalism. They discuss important topics like consumerism, usage, meaning, and what it means to live life well within your own frame of reference. Learn what ‘essential’ really means to you.  The Social Impact Leader Podcast explores the ambitious world of change-makers through interviews with pioneers in business, sports, activism, and entertainment. Hosted by Jeff Shinabarger, founder of Plywood People - get curious about the balance between em ..read more

This week, Sports and Performance Psychologist, Dr. Kenza Gunter speaks with Jeff about the concept of health; physical, mental, environmental, and how leaders can create a culture where wellness can flourish. They touch on managing expectations and compromises, the role of empathy in a productive workplace, and how important health is for showing up in the ways you want to. Gain personal and professional insight into your own health with this special episode.  The Social Impact Leader Podcast explores the ambitious world of change-makers through interviews with pioneers in business, spor ..read more

Heisman Winner and Executive Director of Desire Street, Danny Wuerffel joins Jeff in this week's episode with his personal experiences and insights into the importance of authenticity, community, and self-care as a leader and an individual. Danny shares his own anecdotes about burn-out, self-care, and how to navigate these challenges to better show-up in your organization. We invite you to listen in and reflect on the inspiring ideas shared.  The Social Impact Leader Podcast explores the ambitious world of change-makers through interviews with pioneers in business, sports, activism, and e ..read more

Today, we hear from Chick-Fil-A’s Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Brent Fielder on leveraging your business and leadership to do good for your community while staying true to organizational values. Join Jeff and Brent as they discuss changing cultures, long-term goals, and not only investing in what you’re good at, but investing in what you can.  The Social Impact Leader Podcast explores the ambitious world of change-makers through interviews with pioneers in business, sports, activism, and entertainment. Hosted by Jeff Shinabarger, founder of Plywood People ..read more

Personal growth can be incredibly challenging, but also equally beneficial to the development of your business. Laura Quick, founder of Good Grit Magazine, joins Jeff to discuss her struggles and successes as a leader and an individual, balancing work and life, empathy and productivity, and supporting herself and those around her. Take a break and reflect with this week’s episode.  The Social Impact Leader Podcast explores the ambitious world of change-makers through interviews with pioneers in business, sports, activism, and entertainment. Hosted by Jeff Shinabar ..read more

In a candid and insightful episode of acclaimed filmmaker Rudy Valdez discusses his creation process and story. Valdez, a two-time Emmy Award winner, shares about his most recent project with Disney+, Choir. The conversation is unique because Jeff and Rudy were childhood friends. Rudy shares how he won Sundance with a personal story "The Sentence", his personal journey of hard work, and how mentorship is part of his leadership. The Social Impact Leader Podcast explores the ambitious world of change-makers through interviews with pioneers in business, sports, activism, and entert ..read more

We have officially changed the name and direction of this podcast and are excited to announce a new partnership with WABE and The NPR Podcast Network! The Social Impact Leader delves into the ambitious world of social entrepreneurship. Hosted by Jeff Shinabarger, Founder of Plywood People, bestselling author and expert mentor to thousands of startup leaders. You will learn from change-makers featuring interviews with pioneers in business, sports, activism and entertainment. From innovative strategies to inspiring stories, this podcast explores how individuals ..read more

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Plywood Podcast featuring Wes Jones, the Co-Founder of Honeysuckle Gelato and a valued member of Plywood Place. Wes takes us on an insightful journey, sharing the story of how friends joined forces to create something truly sweet. From the humble beginnings of Honeysuckle to its evolution into a multi-location business, Wes dives into the challenges and dedication that fueled their success. In this episode, we also bid farewell to Kayla Stagnaro, an integral part of the Plywood Community and a co-host of the Plywood Podcast. Join us as we celebrate her c ..read more

Today, we have a special guest, the renowned author, entrepreneur, and speaker, Dan Pallotta. Dan offers profound insights into the nonprofit sector, urging us to challenge the status quo and redefine the norms of how nonprofits operate. His thought-provoking ideas will undoubtedly inspire you to think differently and drive positive change in your community. Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey? Don't miss this episode, as Dan's wisdom is sure to spark action. Dan is the founder and President of the Charity Defense Council, a national leadership movement dedicated to transformin ..read more

Welcome to the Plywood Podcast! In this episode, we're thrilled to have the talented Amena Brown, a poet, writer, entrepreneur, and all-around creative, sharing her incredible journey with us. Amena's passion for writing was ignited by her mother's influence and her deep love for books. Her inquisitive nature led her to seize countless opportunities that have shaped her remarkable career. Tune in as Amena opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, offering valuable insights into her personal and professional growth. She shares how overcoming challenges has molded her into the successful busin ..read more