Start Small and Dream Big: What We Learned About Giving Back on the #WeGotGoals podcast

giving back finale

Eddie Sandoval set out to bring a traditional food from his homeland to the masses—while supporting those who shared his heritage. Betina Gozo has used her influence as a celebrity trainer to marshall resources for children in need, giving back through the Dance With Mweyne Foundation

And Steve Umberger, co-host Maggie’s dad, used his theatrical talents in an entirely new way, inspiring dialogue between very different communities in their hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina.

This past quarter, we talked to these inspiring guests—and more—on the #WeGotGoals podcast, as we explored the theme of Contributing Generously. Along the way, we were struck by the way these big thinkers followed their guts to big-hearted accomplishments, and found more than a few gems that changed the way we thought about our own altruism. 

We discuss:

  • 2:26: The powerful moments that stood out for us from our interviews
  • 6:40: The way intuition guided guests to worthwhile endeavors
  • 10:40: How some of their efforts had multiple layers and dimensions
  • 11:33: How they knew when it was time to dig in on a goal—and when it was time to move on
  • 14:46: Why giving back sometimes requires separating yourself from the outcome of your efforts
  • 16:20: Why, and how, to make an impact in your own backyard
  • 18:02: Specificity, and how it can help you achieve somewhat nebulous-seeming aims
  • 19:06: How we fared on our own goals for contributing generously last quarter (and the help we’d like moving forward)
  • 20:06: What you can expect in season 4 of the #WeGotGoals podcast, heading your way after a short break!
  • 26:51: Some news from me, your co-host Cindy Kuzma, about that next season. My heartfelt thanks to the team, and to you, our listeners, for your support these past three years—and I look forward to joining you.

Links/resources we mention:

If you love this episode as much as we do, subscribe to the #WeGotGoals podcast wherever you like to listen to podcasts, including on Apple and Spotify (and hey, leave us a rating while you’re at it!).

Podcast

About Cindy Kuzma

Cindy Kuzma is a freelance health and fitness writer and a contributing editor at Runner’s World magazine. She grew up in Texas and moved to Chicago to earn her master’s in journalism at Northwestern University; once she saw the lakefront running trail, she decided to stay. She’s finished 19 marathons and also loves lifting heavy weights, yoga, live music and running to the Green City Market from Andersonville and taking the bus home with a ridiculous haul of fresh veggies. Cindy is the producer and co-host on aSweatLife's podcast, #WeGotGoals. She’s written for Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Prevention, Shape and other publications as well—you can read her work at www.cindykuzma.com.