How Can I Help?

Caitlin McHugh Stamos

Do you want to make a positive impact on the world, but don’t know where to start? Does learning about the challenges people face make you want to help, but you don’t know how? Do thoughts and prayers sound fine, but you think taking action is better? On this podcast, Caitlin McHugh Stamos finds nonprofits, businesses, and individuals who are making a positive impact in the world and she figures out how to help their causes.

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38 episodes
Updated July 1

Episodes38

Newest first

July 1 · 18 min
Help the Starfish Project
Jenny McGee is the founder and CEO of Starfish Project, a nonprofit social enterprise that helps women escaping exploitation to build new futures through meaningful employment, education, and holistic care. For more than twenty years, Jenny has lived in Asia, where she and her team have had the privilege of walking alongside women as they discover their worth, develop their gifts, and achieve independence. What started as a small jewelry business around a kitchen table has grown into an international organization currently employing around a hundred women and creating opportunities for survivors to thrive. Jenny is passionate about using business as a force for good and believes that every person deserves the chance to pursue their dreams and reach their potential. When she's not leading Starfish Project, Jenny enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, running, and sharing stories of hope and transformation from the women whose lives inspire her every day. LINKS: starfishproject.com Discount Code: HELPER15 for 15% off
June 10 · 22 min
Help Children Flourish with CHLA’s Literally Healing Program
Mads Gobbo is the program supervisor of Literally Healing, an innovative literacy program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Mads worked in independent bookstores for a decade and is also a writer, illustrator, and teacher. She has published two books for children, one for adults, and is currently at work on a picture book. Links: https://www.chla.org/literally-healing
April 30 · 47 min
Helping guide and protect you in the age of AI
Catharina Doria is an AI ethicist, consultant, and content creator with an audience of more than 200,000 followers across social platforms. Recognized in 2023 as one of the 100 Most Brilliant Women in Ethical AI™, she empowers people worldwide to understand artificial intelligence and protect themselves from its risks. She has spoken on global stages, including MIT Horizon (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), TEDx, and Campus Party, sharing insights on #Tech4Good and digital safety. Fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and German, Catharina creates bilingual content that resonates with diverse audiences. She earned a BA in Communication & Digital Media and a Master’s in Business Analytics & Big Data—both with honors from IE University in Spain. Now based in São Paulo, she blends expertise with creativity to inspire worldwide, guided by her motto: “making learning cool again!
April 14 · 32 min
Help Conserve our Planet with Jason Wise
Jason Wise is an outdoor and online (@jasonjourneyman) environmental educator, a Certified California Naturalist, native plant dad, and a proud tree hugger. He has a masters degree in environmental policy (MPP) and loves helping everyone see the beautiful diversity of our urban ecosystems that’re all around us so we will fight to repair and preserve them. After a mid-career burnout at a government affairs desk job, he pivoted to search for meaningful work outdoors. Countless volunteer hours in plant and wildlife habitat conservation, as many local science classes he could fit into his schedule, and video making skills honed during the pandemic downtime, brought him to his current career as an environmental educator in person and on social media. Today he journey's around the western United States, documenting hopeful stories in nature and highlighting the conservation battles where our help is needed. He believes that by connecting to nature, we connect to ourselves and each other, which helps this world become a happier, gentler, more sustainable place. If you'd like more California Native plants, sent a two sentence email to D7Inquiries@dot.ca.gov (for LA) and Sustainability@dot.ca.gov (for the rest of CA). Links: Jasonjourneyman.com CivicSoul.org projectmonarchla.org Sierraclub.org Treepeople.org inaturalist.org nrdc.org give.nationalparks.org On Instagram @jasonjourneyman @blackforager, @mixerchristiannn @goldernstatenaturalist @queerbrownvegan @goldenstatenaturalist @civicsoulorg
Sep 23, 2025 · 35 min
Support the LGBTQIA+ Community with Andrew Levitt AKA Nina West
NINA WEST (Andrew Levitt) He rose to international prominence on the 11th season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Other notable credits include Weird: Tina Romero’s Queens of the Dead, The Al Yankovic Story (Divine), “Dragging the Classics: The Brady Bunch” (Alice), and voiceover work for Nickelodeon’s “Blue’s Clues,” “Baby Shark’s Big Show,” “RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race,” the recent “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 9,” “Drag Me To Dinner,” Bobby Moynihan’s “Loafy,” Hulu’s “The Bravest Knight”, and documentaries Lady Like and Kings, Queens, and In Betweens. On stage, he starred as Edna Turnbald in the national tour of Broadway’s Hairspray The Musical. Nina has hosted events around the world. Of note: 74th Annual ACE Eddie Awards, Disney+ Pride Special, events at San Diego Comic-Con, and galas for SAGE and Bring Change to Mind, among others. His charitable foundation, The Nina West Foundation, has raised over $3 million dollars for charities in central Ohio and around the world. His first children’s book, The You Kind of Kind was published in 2022 by PA Press. Nina has performed with Kermit the Frog and The Muppets. It does not get better than that. Links: https://www.ninawest.com/
Sep 16, 2025 · 26 min
Help Spread Kindness with Steven Sawalich
Steven Sawalich’s latest work, Case for Kindness, is an award-winning documentary exploring the transformative impact of kindness on society and emphasizes its critical role in shaping our future. The film has earned over 75 awards worldwide. Sawalich is President & CEO of Articulus Entertainment, combines a passion for humanitarian work with a commitment to capturing emotionally compelling and thought-provoking human experiences on film. Under his leadership, Articulus has consistently delivered commercially successful and critically acclaimed movies, television shows, and original programming to audiences worldwide. His directorial debut was Music Within (2007), which won the Audience Award at the AFI Dallas International Film Festival and was distributed by MGM. In 2015, he launched Operation Change on the Oprah Winfrey Network, a documentary series featuring global changemakers like the Dalai Lama, Bill Clinton, and Elton John. His 2019 film Where the Light Shines followed two Afghan skiers striving for the Olympics and offered a rare hopeful look at Afghanistan. Sawalich has worked with numerous organizations, including Starkey Hearing Foundation, Eastern Congo Initiative, Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Program, Sentebale, X-Prize, THORN, Virgin Unite, Special Olympics, and Clinton Global Initiative. Links: https://caseforkindness.com/ https://www.starkey.com/ https://www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/ https://www.citizensofsound.com/
Sep 9, 2025 · 27 min
Help Rewire America with Stacey Abrams
*Interview recorded in February 2025. Rewiring America is looking to electrify the country! Whether it’s replacing your gas stove top, changing out your heat pump, adding a solar roof, or getting solar panels, going electric can save you money and save the planet. Stacey Abrams is a New York Times bestselling author, business owner and political leader whose innovative approach has continued to break barriers and support transformational progress. She served as Minority Leader in the Georgia House of Representatives, and she was the first Black woman to become the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in United States history. Abrams has launched multiple nonprofit organizations devoted to democracy protection, tackling policy issues and building a more equitable future. Abrams founded Sage Works Productions, Inc., a media company dedicated to leveraging the power of storytelling to craft creative solutions. Link: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/ https://www.staceyabrams.com/
Sep 2, 2025 · 27 min
Help Habitat For Humanity rebuild after the Eaton Fire with Bryan Wong and John Stamos
Habitat for Humanity has been helping to put roofs over people’s heads for decades and in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire in January of 2025, CEO of Habitat for Humanity San Gabriel Valley has promised to build 200 homes for those fire survivors. Caitlin and John Stamos recently volunteered at a build day and want to get more people involved in the many upcoming build days on the road to recovery for the Altadena area. Bryan Wong has been leading a team of 50+ individuals in the mission of building homes, community and hope in the San Gabriel Valley since April 2021. Prior to his role as SGV Habitat CEO, the Cal Poly Pomona graduate founded his own affordable housing nonprofit, The American Homeownership Foundation, served 10 years on the board of directors for Los Angeles Nation Bank, and on the Monrovia Board of Education for about 17 years – highlighting his greatest passions, education and homeownership. Link: https://sgvhabitat.org/
Jan 17, 2025 · 47 min
Help for Fire Victims
Ed Diab is a leading wildfire litigation attorney who has recovered over $1.65 billion on behalf of wildfire victims against power companies. He has secured numerous landmark settlements, including $415 million in the 2017 North Bay Fires, $582 million in the 2018 Camp Fire, and $210 million in the 2018 Woolsey Fire. In 2020, he received the prestigious Daily Journal - California Lawyer Attorney of the Year Award for recovering $360 million for 20 public entities affected by the 2017 Thomas Fire, Montecito Mudslides, and 2018 Woolsey Fire. Recently named to the Daily Journal’s Top Plaintiffs Lawyers list for 2024, Diab has represented numerous counties and municipalities, including Los Angeles County, Sonoma County, and the Town of Paradise. He has also been court-appointed to serve in multiple leadership positions in wildfire litigations. Ed Diab’s Trusted Resources: Mental Health & Counseling Services: Adrienne O’Neal, MS, MFT, www.redrockcounseling.com; Medical: Dr. Brandt Maloney, MD (646) 416-1233; Offering free telehealth consultations for wildfire victims/evacuees Public Insurance Claim Adjuster: Iron Claim, Michael Fusco, mafusco@ironclaim.com; (404) 456.3333; (404) 875-5866 www.ironclaim.com; https://meetironclaim.com/california (Free resource guide for insurance) Realtor: Michael Ragazzo, (818) 200-3040, michael@thepetersgroup.com Wildfire Lawsuit (Eaton Fire) – property damage, business losses, injuries/wrongfuldeath: Ed Diab, Esq.; https://www.dcfirm.com; https://www.fireattorneys.com; ed@dcfirm.com; (626) 248-8660 Construction/Rebuild Consultant: OHS Construction, Sam Oh (818) 913-0638; sam@ohs-group.com Insurance Coverage/Bad Faith: Renee Callantine, Esq., https://www.cornerlaw.com/attorneys/renee-c-callantine Tax Lawyer: Robert Wood, Esq.; (415) 834-0113; https://www.woodllp.com – Additional General Resources: Visit https://www.ca.gov to replace important documents, such as driver’s licenses, state tax records, birth certificates, and more. Los Angeles County Parks is offering free youth and teen camps for those impacted by the Eaton Fire. Visit www.parks.lacounty.gov to register https://RESPONSE.CA.GOV provides Californians with information and resources for current incidents, transportation impacts, vital health services information, shelter and housing locations, unemployment assistance, and other state information. Information about filing an unemployment claim with the California Employment Development Department. Call 800-300-5616 if you have questions. Help for military veterans through the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Apply for food assistance from the state. Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance through the state. – For other resources, see LawHelpCA.org listings on disaster assistance and recovery. Your recovery may start with establishing who you are or where you lived. The State Bar provides a list of agencies and next steps to get a duplicate California driver’s license or identity card, birth certificate, marriage license, or other documents. Get help with a lost document or find duplicate documents. Christopher Carlin Founder MGMT Partners Project Management / owners representative Help manage the projects and streamline the process from permitting to completion of build. http://mgmtpartners.com
Dec 3, 2024 · 40 min
Help Turn Life Challenges into Personal Growth with Christyn Taylor
In 2010, Christyn Taylor’s life took a drastic turn when her then seven-year-old daughter, Rebecca, was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. She immediately immersed into the world of pancreatitis as her daughter subsequently endured over 1,400 hospitalized days and 150 surgical procedures that also involved the removal of seven organs, including a Total Pancreatectomy and an Auto-Islet cell transplant. Through this process, Christyn realized the immense lack of knowledge and specialized care in the world of pediatric pancreatitis, which eventually led to the creation of Rebecca’s Wish. In this episode, we deep dive with Christyn on how she and her family take whatever life hands them and uses it all to make life better for others. LINKS: www.civicsoul.org/events www.Howcanihelppod.com www.Citizenofsound.com
Nov 19, 2024 · 47 min
Help By Rethinking Adoption with Gretchen Sisson
Gretchen Sisson is the author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood and a sociologist at Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health in the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. She studies adoption and abortion in the United States. Books Gretchen recommends: All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Bitterroot: A Salish Memoir of Transracial Adoption by Susan Devan Harness What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption by Melissa Guida-Richards We Were Once a Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America by Roxana Asgarian Surviving the White Gaze by Rebecca Carroll LINKS: www.civicsoul.org/events https://www.gretchensisson.com/ https://caringacross.org/ www.Howcanihelppod.com www.Citizenofsound.com
Nov 5, 2024 · 46 min
Help Black Mothers Change the Statistics with St. John’s Community Health– Black Health and Wellness Program
Heather Alexander and Lydia Callins lead St. John’s Committed to Black Wellness & Health Program which aims to provide support to Black Women and their families. The goal of the program is to improve the health and quality of life of Expectant/ New Mothers and Babies within a culturally competent and affirming environment that empowers Black Women to: Build Resilience Reduce Stress Promote healthy behaviors that support relationships and overall wellness. While making connections in a social or 1:1 setting Develop and Set long-term life goals and plans Education for nurturing and building bonds with their babies Learn more about giving birth and what to expect before and after LINKS: www.civicsoul.org/events https://www.sjch.org/committed-to-black-wellness-and-health/ https://cancercartel.org www.Howcanihelppod.com www.Citizenofsound.com
Oct 22, 2024 · 34 min
Help Children of Incarcerated Parents with Michael’s Daughter Foundation
Ciera Payton’s father spent time in prison while she was growing up, and her arts teachers were instrumental in shaping the incredible person she is today. With Michael’s Daughter Foundation she provides free and low-cost enrichment programs to youth and families in underserved communities. These programs include, creative writing workshops, creating original plays, monologues and short films along with documentaries, and music. Her vision is to create a world where arts and scholarship funds are easily accessible to youth and families dealing with the challenges of having a loved one in the prison system. Oftentimes this impacts underserved and inner-city communities. The arts provide the power of creating something special and original, which results in a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Links: https://michaelsdaughter.org/ https://civicsoul.org http://www.projectbubaloo.org https://Howcanihelppod.com https://Citizenofsound.com
Oct 8, 2024 · 22 min
Help Children in Foster Care with Foster Love
Our guest, Gianna Mulkay is Executive Director of Foster Love, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care. Through collaborations with individuals, companies, and community partners, they provide essential resources and educational opportunities for foster youth. fosterlove.com https://civicsoul.org https://cancercartel.org https://Howcanihelppod.com https://Citizenofsound.com
Sep 24, 2024 · 54 min
Help Our Essential Farm Workers with Celebration Nation
Flor Martinez was a child farm laborer and has been advocating for and helping farm workers ever since. With her nonprofit, Celebration Nation, she provides clothing, water, food, sun/weather protection, toys, and health clinics to farm workers all over the state of California. Flor also organizes marches, picketing events, and works tirelessly to pass legislation that will help this often neglected and abused essential community. She is an inspiration to us all in how to stand up for communities in every way possible. Links: https://www.celebration-nation.org/ https://www.civicsoul.org/ https:/Howcanihelppod.com https:/Citizenofsound.com
Jun 13, 2023 · 38 min
Help Change the Conversation about Guns with 97 Percent
Mathew Littman is Executive Director of 97percent, a new gun safety organization (@97percentorg). He previously served as chief speechwriter to Joe Biden and appears frequently on national television as an expert on political campaigns and issues of the day. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two daughters. https://www.97percent.us/ https://www.1p.org/ https://varasafety.com/ https://naaga.co/ www.citizensofsound.com www.howcanihelppod.com www.mysaintmyhero.com DISCOUNT CODE: HOWIHELP
Jun 6, 2023 · 31 min
Help Our Country with Kate Paris from Red, Wine, and Blue
Katie Paris is a 20-year veteran of national politics and an Ohio suburban mom. She moved to Ohio from Washington, DC, almost ten years ago, but it wasn't until the 2018 election that she quit her job in national politics to focus closer to home. Once she started meeting with other suburban women across the state, she started Red Wine & Blue to create suburban mom infrastructure that could fight disinformation and win campaigns. She now has a staff of 15 organizers and content creators and a national network of over 300,000 women who believe in inclusivity, vulnerability, and courage (best explained by the NYT episode of “The Daily”: The Field: Why Suburban Women Changed Their Minds and the Washington Post article: "‘Blue’ suburban moms are mobilizing to counter conservatives"). Red Wine & Blue's latest campaign is focused on fighting back against book banning and attacks on public education. Previously, she was CEO of Shareblue Media (now American Independent), Executive Vice President of Media Matters (which she helped launch as its first research director in 2004), and Program and Communications Director at Faith in Public Life (which she also helped found). Prior to building national organizations, Katie worked on gubernatorial, senate, and presidential campaigns. She lives in Shaker Heights, OH with her husband and two young sons. @redwineblueusa https://redwine.blue/ www.citizensofsound.com www.howcanihelppod.com www.mysaintmyhero.com DISCOUNT CODE: HOWIHELP
May 30, 2023 · 36 min
Helping You Have the Best Time at DisneyWorld
AJ Wolfe Writer and entrepreneur. Owner of Cambrick Yard Media, an online media company creating high-quality, entertaining, and useful online brands and products. Topics currently covered by our properties include personal finance, social media, travel, current events and news, food, and philanthropy. @disneyfoodblog on twitter, instagram. Youtube.com/DFBGuide for youtube. DisneyFoodBlog.com website Ashley Eckstein has been widely recognized and honored as an actress, entrepreneur, fangirl trendsetter leading voice for female fandom and now, author. Most known as the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars, Ashley also founded Her Universe in 2010 - the groundbreaking fangirl fashion company and lifestyle brand. As the Founder and GM of Her Universe, Ashley continues to oversee all aspects of the company and she interacts daily with her fanbase of over 350,000 fans on social media and through www.heruniverse.com. Instagram: @AshleyEckstein @heruniverse Twitter: @heruniverse http://www.ashleyeckstein.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HerUniverse Nicole Ashley started the blog @MyAdventureBook__ as a creative outlet to express my passion for style, travel and all things Disney. My goal is to help bring everyday magic to my followers' lives. I use my page as an informational platform to help families make the most of their Disney trips. Like so many others my Disney journey began when I was younger and my family would visit each year. Once I was old enough, I knew I wanted to work for the company so I joined the Disney College Program and I became a Photopass cast member in Magic Kingdom. I was honored to work there through parts of Disney history like the opening of "New" Fantasyland, The opening team for Princess Fairytale Hall and for Talking Mickey on Main Street. Disney has always held a huge place in my heart and I am so lucky to be able to share my experiences and knowledge with so many magical people! Tiktok and Instagram: @myadventurebook__ www.citizensofsound.com www.howcanihelppod.com www.mysaintmyhero.com DISCOUNT CODE: HOWIHELP
May 23, 2023 · 35 min
Help Migrant Children with Yes We Can
Estefanía Rebellón is the co-founder and Executive Director of Yes We Can World Foundation, a female-led nonprofit organization that believes every child has the right to education and safe spaces regardless of their location, current legal status or economic background. Yes We Can World Foundation created and operates the Yes We Can Mobile Schools program. The program is recognized as the first full-time bilingual education program for migrant children at the U.S.-Mexico border. This innovative program addresses the academic and emotional needs of refugees, migrants and children in transit. Since July 2019 the Yes We Can Mobile Schools program has directly impacted the lives of over 2,000 children. Rebellón was a refugee from Cali, Colombia whose life was changed forever at the age of ten when she and her family were forced to flee their home due to death threats by the Colombian rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Rebellón and her family moved to Miami, FL where they were granted asylum, later becoming permanent residents, then U.S. citizens after ten years. Rebellón moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue her already budding career as an actress. Her work includes a role on the television show “Jane The Virgin,” hosting red carpet coverage for multiple Spanish media outlets and multiple features in national commercials and films. She starred in and co-directed the film “On The Other Side” which focuses on the story of Lupe and her migration journey to the United States. As an up- and-coming actress and humanitarian Rebellón is a champion and advocate for authentic Latin representation in the media and entertainment industry. In 2023 Rebellón was recognize as “Woman of the Year” by the Women’s March LA Foundation. During the COVID-19 pandemic Rebellón was recognized as a “Hero of the Pandemic” by the Los Angeles Times for leading efforts at Yes We Can World Foundation to provide thousands of personal protective equipment kits for migrant children and their families. Rebellón has also been recognized as an “Unstoppable Woman” by Telemundo/NBC, a “Local Hero” by Zoomin and has been nominated for the "Alfonso Garcia Robles Humanitarian Award” by Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) for the defense, promotion, protection and guarantee of human rights for immigrant people who are in a condition of vulnerability. Rebellón’s work has been featured in NPRs Morning Edition Show, Los Angeles Times, the New York Post, TIME for Kids and Global Citizen as well as in numerous ethnic media outlets. Instagram: @estefaniarebellon @yeswecanwf @thisisabouthumanity @immdef_lawcenter LINKS: https://www.yeswecan.world/ https://filmfreeway.com/projects/1696197. www.thisisabouthumanity.com www.immdef.org www.citizensofsound.com www.howcanihelppod.com www.mysaintmyhero.com DISCOUNT CODE: HOWIHELP
May 16, 2023 · 44 min
Help Afghan Allies with No One Left Behind
Our guests today are helping to keep America’s promise to our allies in Afghanistan. Right now there are people who risked their lives to help our soldiers and journalists during the war and are continuing to fear for their lives as the Taliban continue to hunt them. Mike Mitchell is the Executive Director of No One Left Behind and has an extensive background in nonprofits with significant experience in refugee and immigration work. Prior to his role at No One Left Behind, Mike led the Luminus Network for New Americans where be helped build a local organization serving immigrants from more than 35 countries, and before that, he served in senior roles at two national refugee resettlement organizations. Mike is a social sector entrepreneur with a background in nonprofit practice and governance, and he has experience in housing, workforce development, and economic development. He has a passion for creating tools for nonprofits that utilize technology and to bring about more effective organizations. Prior to his time in nonprofits, Mike served as a volunteer with AmeriCorps and worked on Capitol Hill. In addition to his professional roles, Mike has served on multiple Boards including Maryland Nonprofits where he was Chair for two years and Beautiful Day. Interestingly, Mike grew up in Afghanistan and has lived and traveled around the world. Major Kristen Greist is a West Point Graduate, first female to graduate the Army’s premier leadership academy in 2015, also known as Ranger School, and the first female to branch and command an Infantry unit in US Army history. In April 2016, she again broke barriers when she became the first female Army infantry officer, transferring from military police. She was named to Fortune magazine's 2016 list of the World's Greatest Leaders and was inducted into the US Army Women's Foundation Hall of Fame in 2018. She is with us today because she helped her translator escape Afghanistan who also joins us today. Instagram - @noonelesftbehindus Links: https://www.nooneleft.org/ www.citizensofsound.com www.howcanihelppod.com www.onelegacy.org www.mysaintmyhero.com DISCOUNT CODE: HOWIHELP