Conversations that propel our community forward. Sponsored by Andy and Sarah Susanin and the RIA Group.
Conversations with nonprofit organizations shaping Central Iowa’s future. Nonprofits are featured over three separate episodes – each one offering listeners a unique perspective through interviews with key staff members, donors and beneficiaries.
Episode #32: OMA BLAISE FORD, Interim Director, Des Moines Public Library Foundation
The 2nd of 3 episodes dedicated to Des Moines Public Library:
Give & Grow DSM Podcast, host Siobhan Spain talks with Oma Blaise Ford, interim director of the Des Moines Public Library Foundation, about the power of libraries, philanthropy, literacy, and community advocacy.
They discuss the Foundation’s history, the importance of supporting all six Des Moines Public Library branches, the library’s role as a free community resource, and why community voices and giving matter during a challenging budget period.
DONATE NOW: https://dmplfoundation.org/
https://www.dmpl.org/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/desmoineslibrary Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/dmlibLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/des-moines-public-library/
https://giveandgrowdsm.com/Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsmInstagram https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm
8 Sept 2026
Episode #31: Melissa McCollum, Des Moines Public Library Director
The 1st of 3 episodes featuring Des Moines Public Library: Give & Grow DSM host Siobhan Spain sits down with Melissa McCollum, Director of Des Moines Public Library (DMPL). New to the role, Melissa shares her personal connection to libraries, her career journey, and what excites her about leading this 159-year-old institution. She highlights the library's diverse offerings, including programming, the Library of Things, Tech Central, and community outreach. Melissa also addresses financial challenges stemming from new Iowa property tax laws, potential budget cuts, and the importance of community advocacy. She encourages listeners to stay informed, volunteer, and support the library foundation to help preserve this vital community resource.
12 May 2026
Episode #30: Michael Hardat
In the 3rd of 3 episodes featuring Children & Family Urban Movement (CFUM): Hear how one after-school program transformed the life of Michael Hardat — and why community-centered youth programs matter now more than ever. The conversation explores the importance of representation and access in education, and the urgent need for investment in Des Moines youth. Michael shares personal stories about growing up in the River Bend neighborhood, attending CFUM programming, earning a degree from Iowa State University, and now rebuilding the middle school program that once helped him dream bigger.
Website | https://www.cfum.org/ (https://www.cfum.org/)
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cfum_dsm/ (https://www.instagram.com/cfum_dsm/)
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/cfumdsm (https://www.facebook.com/cfumdsm)
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/children-&-family-urban-movement/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/children-&-family-urban-movement/)
Give & Grow DSM:
Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/ (https://giveandgrowdsm.com/)
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139 (https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139)
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm (https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm)
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/ (https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/)
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm (https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm)
Who has been a guest on GIVE & GROW DSM
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Pita Martinez
Mark Young
Joseph Johnson
Karin Johnson
Eden Sampaguita
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
274,636
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
17
Social presence
90
YouTube
82
Engagement
32
Host of GIVE & GROW DSM?
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