About Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast: What Is Your Why? – Charity Sector Stories
Charity Leadership Podcast Introduction
Welcome to the Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast Series: "What’s Your Why?" This is where we go beyond headlines to share the real, honest stories shaping the charity sector. Here, founders, leaders, and change makers open up about what drives them, the challenges they’ve faced, and the heart of their philanthropic journeys.
Whether you’re a fundraiser, philanthropist, charity professional, or simply committed to making a difference, this channel offers genuine insight and inspiration to deepen your connection to giving.
If you’d like to share your story or be featured in an upcoming conversation, we’d love to hear from you.
You can find out more by visiting earlybirdphilanthropy.com
Episode 21. Turning Invisible Work Into Visible Hope, Peter Murphy-Lewis, President, Miami County Community Foundation
Summary
In this episode, Dean Jones speaks with Peter Murphy-Lewis, president of the Miami County Community Foundation in Kansas, about purpose, community and the power of storytelling. Peter reflects on his journey from international business and television to local philanthropy, explaining how returning to his home community helped him focus on impact rather than status. He discusses the role of community foundations in responding quickly to local needs, supporting issues such as mental health and suicide prevention, and strengthening rural communities. The conversation also explores how honest, human stories can build trust, challenge stereotypes, create belonging and inspire people to care about causes they might otherwise overlook.
Keywords
philanthropy, storytelling, community impact, local philanthropy, Kansas, nonprofit leadership, impact storytelling, community building
Key topics
The evolution of Peter Murphy Lewis's purpose and impact
The role of storytelling in philanthropy and community engagement
Differences and advantages of community foundations
The importance of internal and external community stories
Strategies for building hope and trust in rural communities
The significance of authentic storytelling and dignity
The concept of radical visibility in social impact
Balancing transparency and dignity in storytelling
The influence of personal history on community work
How to start using storytelling for social impact
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Peter Murphy Lewis and his journey
01:59 Understanding Peter’s evolving purpose and impact
03:54 Why Peter returned to Kansas and his community roots
06:05 The influence of civil unrest on his life and work
09:04 The role of storytelling in nonprofit and community work
11:49 What makes community foundations unique and effective
15:03 The power of community stories to change perceptions
17:54 Trust, storytelling, and local belonging
21:08 The importance of authentic and raw storytelling
24:00 Addressing stigmatized issues through storytelling
28:00 Building hope in overlooked communities
31:57 The impact of personal stories and legacy
35:51 Why he positions himself in the front line
39:55 The role of humility and authenticity in leadership
43:49 The influence of stories on social and community change
48:06 The concept of radical visibility in philanthropy
52:01 Measuring success and impact in community work
55:00 Future directions for storytelling and community impact
2 Oct 2026
Episode 20: Building Confidence Through Education, Dr Julian Ng, CEO, The Warnborough Foundation
Summary
In this episode, Julian Ng, CEO of the Warnborough Foundation, shares insights into his motivation, the foundation's work in education and social impact, and the importance of community-led change. Discover how practical support, collaboration, and mindset shifts can transform lives and communities.
Key topics
Motivation behind the Warnborough Foundation
The role of mindset and confidence in social impact
Importance of collaboration and partnerships
Strategies for community-led change
The impact of informal education and life skills
Building trust with stakeholders and participants
Adapting programs based on feedback and learning
The significance of humility and resilience in leadership
Sound bites
"The same Victorian seafront, different shores"
"It's not society that holds us back, it's ourselves"
"Transforming how a person sees themselves and their worth"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Philanthropy and Education
01:10 Understanding the Why Behind the Warmbra Foundation
05:35 Julian's Personal Journey and Motivation
09:56 The Importance of Self-Respect and Confidence
13:01 The Warmbra Foundation's Approach to Education
18:10 Classism and Its Impact on Confidence
20:50 Identifying Participants and Their Needs
22:55 Measuring Success in a Short Timeframe
26:16 Leadership and Collaboration in Charity Work
29:40 The Foundation Model and Trust Building
34:41 Rewards of Leading the Warmbra Foundation
37:44 Skills and Confidence in Leadership
39:54 Transforming Employment Support Programs
42:05 Adapting and Growing: The Journey of the Foundation
43:39 The Need for Community Support
44:38 Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
47:35 The Importance of Local Engagement
49:44 Challenging Prejudices in Community Work
51:48 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
54:34 Legacy and Personal Motivation
58:24 Future Opportunities for the Foundation
01:03:07 Call to Action for Community Involvement
Resources
Warnborough Foundation - https://warnboroughfoundation.org (https://warnboroughfoundation.org)
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs)
Dale Carnegie - How to Win Friends and Influence People - https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034 (https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034)
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Napoleon-Hill/dp/1934451386 (https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Napoleon-Hill/dp/1934451386)
Julian Ng on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-unger-123456789/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-unger-123456789/)
guest links
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-unger-123456789/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-unger-123456789/)
Website - https://warnboroughfoundation.org (https://warnboroughfoundation.org)
18 Sept 2026
Episode 19. Public Service Partnership & Leadership, Nikki Ross, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire
In this episode, Nikki Ross shares her journey through policing, civic leadership, and charity work, highlighting the importance of trust, collaboration, and community-driven change. Discover how her diverse experiences inform her approach to social impact and leadership. In this episode, Nikki Ross shares her journey from policing to becoming the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, exploring leadership, neurodiversity, community engagement, and the importance of volunteering. Discover how her experiences and insights can inspire your own path and community involvement.
Key topics
Nikki Ross's career in policing and civic leadership
The role of trust and collaboration in community strengthening
Impact of neurodiversity awareness in the justice system
Leadership challenges and lessons in social impact work
The importance of community-driven change and partnership Leadership and decision-making skills
The role and history of the High Sheriff
Neurodiversity and its impact on personal and professional life
Community engagement and the power of volunteering
Transitioning from policing to charity work and public service
The influence of ADHD as a superpower in leadership
The importance of clarity and communication in management
Reflections on legacy and making a difference
Sound bites
"I've always had a public service ethos."
"My ADHD is my superpower."
"I care deeply about making a difference."
Resources
Early Bird Philanthropy - https://earlybirdphilanthropy.com (https://earlybirdphilanthropy.com)
Nikki Ross - LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/nikkiross (https://linkedin.com/in/nikkiross)
Polar Steps - Travel Diary App - https://www.polarsteps.com/ (https://www.polarsteps.com/)
High Sheriff Buckinghamshire - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/highsheriffbucks/ (https://www.instagram.com/highsheriffbucks/)
Nikki Ross on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiross/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiross/)
The Role of the High Sheriff - Historic Overview - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Sheriff (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Sheriff)
Who has been a guest on Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast: What Is Your Why? – Charity Sector Stories
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Josephine McCartney
Vicki Beevers
Michelle Benson
Steve Phillip
Ian Nutt
Reach and audience
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5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Contact Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast: What Is Your Why? – Charity Sector Stories
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Questions about Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast: What Is Your Why? – Charity Sector Stories
Who hosts Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast: What Is Your Why? – Charity Sector Stories?
Dean Jones host the show. Published by Night Owl Philanthropy - Dean Jones.
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