I don’t listen to podcasts much. Not because I don’t like them, and not because I don’t think there are endless fascinating things out there worth learning. (Don’t worry, my wife keeps me up to date on all the true crime podcasts at the dinner table.) I just don’t make the time. Honestly, I’m not great at multitasking. Sure, I could probably listen to podcasts while driving, but I work from home, so that’s a stretch.

When I was asked if I would be interested in hosting Sharpe’s new podcast about planned giving, my first thought was: Really? Me? 

I was hired at Sharpe Group for my creative background, not my deep understanding of planned giving. At the time, I had about as much experience in charitable trusts as I did in chemical engineering. But over the past few years, I’ve become more secure in my knowledge because I am surrounded by people who make planned giving understandable. I can now explain the difference between a bequest and a charitable gift annuity without breaking a sweat!

There are, however, a few gaps in my knowledge, and I want to fill them. Some folks are visual learners, some are auditory, and others prefer to read. Me? I’ve always learned best through dialogue. I like back-and-forth conversations with people who know what they’re talking about—where I can ask questions, float ideas and, yes, occasionally say, “Can you explain that to me again?”

For our first episode of Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts, I found myself listening to Sharpe Senior Consultants Joe Chickey, Kristin Croone and Julie Schuldner talk shop—everything from stewarding donors for the long term, to why it’s crucial to encourage donors to keep their plans up to date, to the concept of “The Ultimate Gift.”

To say I was nervous is an understatement. But a few minutes in, I settled into the flow and just let the collective wisdom of Joe, Kristin and Julie do what it does best: teach, clarify and inspire.

Why listen?

Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts is designed for nonprofit professionals at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re brand new to development or a seasoned pro, this podcast offers real-world strategies, practical takeaways and expert guidance to help you grow a successful, sustainable planned giving program.

In each episode, I talk with leaders across the field about what it takes to build long-term support for your mission—and what you can do today to ensure success tomorrow.

If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge (like I am), sharpen your strategy or just hear from some of the best minds in the field, I invite you to listen. You’ll be learning alongside an awesome community of planned giving professionals doing essential work in the world.

Let’s get sharper together.