With AI-generated content flooding the internet, nonprofits are struggling to break through the noise and truly connect with their audiences. In this episode, Spencer Brooks sits down with Doug Darling, CEO of Tripwire Media, to explore how nonprofits can balance data and storytelling, leverage AI without losing authenticity, and craft messages that inspire action. If you're looking for practical strategies to enhance your nonprofit’s digital marketing and create compelling stories that resonate, this episode is for you.

Contact Doug

• Website: https://www.tripwiremedia.com/
• LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dougdarling

Building public trust is critical for nonprofits, especially in health and science communication. In this episode, Matt Lam from The American Association of Immunologists shares how his organization is embracing new communications strategies—like leveraging partnerships and taking calculated risks—to expand their impact and combat misinformation around immunology topics. Whether you're navigating trust-building with your audience or pitching new ideas internally, this episode offers actionable insights for nonprofit communicators.

About the guest

Matt has worked in communications since 2013 after transitioning away from the lab bench following completion of his Ph.D. in the field of cancer cell biology. Since then, he has worked primarily in the non-profit sector in the UK helping organizations tell inspiring stories and research and the impact it has on society. Matt has also spent time working for a government regulator in Scotland to deliver public and government facing communications. In 2024, Matt moved to the US with his partner, and currently works at the American Association of Immunologists as their Communications Director. At AAI, Matt leads a team of two to deliver communications for AAI’s membership, the public and the wider community connected to the organization.

Resources

• Asana: https://asana.com/
• Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/

Contact Matt

• Website: https://www.aai.org/
• Email: mlam@aai.org
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-lam-phd-52998b70/

Building programs that truly help underrepresented communities can feel overwhelming, but listening to people with real-life experience makes it much easier. In this episode, Spencer Brooks sits down with Deena Pierott, the award-winning founder of iUrban Teen, to explore how her groundbreaking programs empower Black and Brown youth through STEM education, health research, and self-advocacy. Tune in to learn actionable strategies from Deena’s decades of experience that will help nonprofit leaders foster equity, inclusion, and meaningful change in the communities they serve.

About the guest

Deena Pierott, founder and Executive Director of iUrban Teen, is a trailblazer in advancing education and mentorship for at-risk youth, with a particular focus on African American males and other underserved groups. With over 20 years of experience in environmental science, workforce development, and DEI consulting, Deena has become a nationally recognized leader committed to bridging opportunity gaps through innovative STEM+Arts programming.

Resources

• The Business Journals: https://www.bizjournals.com/
• Dallas Innovates: https://dallasinnovates.com/
• Philanthropy Today: https://www.philanthropy.com/newsletter/philanthropy-today
• Google Alerts: https://www.google.ca/alerts

Contact Deena

• Email: Deena@iurbanteen.org
• iUrbanteen: https://iurbanteen.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinclusionist/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpierott/
• iUrbanteen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iurbanteen/