Best Day Podcast The Fund Raising School Podcasts (2025)

1
How I Bought 30+ Businesses and Built a $195M HoldCo in My 30s | Chris Sparling Interview 1:04:35

3d ago1:04:35

1:04:35

In this episode of HoldCo Builders, I’m joined by Chris Sparling, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Tiny. Chris has helped acquire and scale more than 30 internet businesses and has deep insights into capital allocation, due diligence, deal structuring, and the psychology of long-term investing. We talk about how Tiny was built, the story behind acqu…

1
Think Twice: Original Sin with Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson 1:11:19

4d ago1:11:19

1:11:19

Coming off the long weekend, an early release of this week's episode: The first 2024 presidential debate was a turning point in President Biden’s candidacy. In this episode, moderator-in-chief John Donvan and chief content officer Lia Matthow sit down with CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson to discuss the book that has Washington buzz…

1
Reasonable Hope: The Courage to Continue Fundraising 19:57

7d ago19:57

19:57

In this episode of The First Day from The Fundraising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., reconnects with his longtime mentor and fundraising sage, Tim Seiler, Ph.D., Director Emeritus of The Fundraising School. Together, they dive into a topic that’s more relevant than ever: how to navigate the stormy seas of fundraising during uncertain time…

1
Is Trump Good for Israel? 53:15

8d ago53:15

53:15

With Trump’s return to office, some have high hopes for his relationship with Israel. But amid the Gaza war, will his policies help? Those arguing “yes” say Trump has given Israel unprecedented backing and would continue shifting U.S. policy in favor of Israeli sovereignty and security. Those arguing “no” are concerned that his policies would resul…

1
How I Built a $12M HoldCo Through Chaos, Grit, and Two Acquisitions | Mark Rossano Interview 1:04:44

10d ago1:04:44

1:04:44

My guest today is Mark Rossano, Co-Founder & CEO of C6 Capital Holdings, a firm focused on building real-world solutions in energy and agriculture infrastructure. In this episode, we explore Mark’s journey from Morgan Stanley and global oil trading to building a holding company that owns hydroelectric power plants and sustainable fertilizer compani…

1
This is How Elite Investors Stay Sharp For 30+ Years (Yet Many Overlook It) 23:55

13d ago23:55

23:55

What if the real edge in investing isn’t another framework or deal structure—but how you learn? In this solo episode of HoldCo Builders, I break down a mental model that quietly powers the world's top capital allocators, HoldCo founders, and hedge fund managers. Inspired by the teachings of Alix Pasquet (Prime Makaya Capital), we explore why the hi…

1
Donor Gifts: To Give or Not to Give 15:34

14d ago15:34

15:34

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes Dr. George Newman, Associate Professor of Management and Marketing at the University of Toronto, to explore one of the most deceptively simple questions in fundraising: Should we give donors gifts? Backed by years of research and a background in…

1
Can the U.S. Outpace China in AI Through Chip Controls? 53:15

16d ago53:15

53:15

The AI revolution is underway, and the U.S. and China are racing to the top. At the heart of this competition are semiconductors—especially advanced GPUs that power everything from natural language processing to autonomous weapons. The U.S. is betting that export controls can help check China’s technological ambitions. But will this containment str…

1
How We Left PE, Bought a $5M Business and Scaled To $21M in 2 Years (M&A and Organic) | Johannes Hock Interview 1:03:41

20d ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Johannes Hock, a former private equity associate left his high-paying job to build wealth through acquisition. In 2022, Johannes and his partner acquired DFW Turf, a fast-growing artificial turf installation business. After leaving a prestigious private equity firm, he went on to review over 200 deals in just a few months, submitted 10 LOIs, signed…

1
Why Donors Leave 16:59

21d ago16:59

16:59

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., sits down with Virginia Harrison, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Clemson University, to dig deep into a question many nonprofit professionals fear to ask out loud: Why do donors leave? With a background in public relations and firsthand fundraising experi…

1
Trump’s First 100 Days: The Economic Agenda 53:15

23d ago53:15

53:15

The first 100 days of President Trump’s second term have come with a wide range of changes for the nation’s economy and global supply chains. Could these changes lead to a more prosperous America, or hardship for individuals and businesses? In partnership with Bloomberg, five renowned economists look at President Trump’s economic agenda during his …

1
What Holdco Investors Can Learn from Neil Mehta (Never Outsource DD!) 40:58

27d ago40:58

40:58

Neil Mehta built Greenoaks Capital into one of the most successful — and secretive — investment firms in the world. While most VCs chase hype, Neil built a reputation for radical focus, long-term thinking, and doing his own diligence. In this solo research episode, I break down what holdco builders, private equity investors, and traditional busines…

1
How to Build Relationships with DAF Donors 18:19

28d ago18:19

18:19

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes back Dan Heist, Ph.D. and Gen Shaker, Ph.D., to explore new research on how fundraisers are navigating relationships with donors who give through donor-advised funds (DAFs). With nearly 2 million DAF accounts holding $250 billion and distributin…

1
Think Twice: The Stoic Capitalist with Robert Rosenkranz 53:15

30d ago53:15

53:15

From modest beginnings to a distinguished career, Robert Rosenkranz, the chairman of Delphi Capital Management and founder of Open to Debate, has used Stoic wisdom to navigate challenges, innovations, and business relationships. In this conversation, John Donvan speaks with Rosenkranz about his new book, “The Stoic Capitalist: Advice for the Except…

1
How I'm Building a $50M EBITDA Holdco Of Boring Businesses | Nick Huber Interview 49:40

1M ago49:40

49:40

My guest today is Nick Huber — entrepreneur, investor, and creator behind a $30M+ holding company spanning real estate, service businesses, and media. In this episode, we dive deep into how Nick allocates capital across multiple businesses, builds operationally lean teams, and balances short-term cash flow with long-term wealth creation. We explore…

1
Resilient Fundraising During Tough Times 19:08

1M ago19:08

19:08

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes back the legendary Kay Sprinkle Grace to tackle a critical topic: staying resilient in fundraising during turbulent times. Kay emphasizes that the nonprofit sector becomes even more essential when the world feels shaky. She reminds fundraisers t…

1
Should the U.S. Decouple from China? 53:15

1M ago53:15

53:15

For decades, China has been central for global supply chains and a primary U.S. trade partner, but as China’s influence grows, should the U.S. cut economic ties, or stay engaged? Those in favor of decoupling say it is vital for protecting national security and reducing reliance on China’s supply chains. Those against decoupling argue doing so would…

1
How I Bought 4 Competitors and 200x'd My Company ($1M -> $210M in 5 Years) | Nick Keegan Interview 52:05

1M ago52:05

52:05

My guest today is Nick Keegan, co-founder and CEO of Mail Metrics, a company helping highly regulated industries—like banks, insurers, and pension providers—communicate more effectively with their customers. Nick started Mail Metrics in 2013 at just 24 years old, after serving 11 years in the Irish Defence Forces. It took 7 years to reach €1M in re…

1
Donor Confidence and Charitable Giving 17:04

1M ago17:04

17:04

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes back Rick Dunham, founder and chair of Dunham+Company, for an insightful breakdown of donor confidence heading into 2025. Drawing on a fresh national survey of 1,500 active donors (each having given at least $20 in the past year), Dunham reports…

1
Was Trump Right to Be Hard on Soft Power in the Middle East? 53:15

1M ago53:15

53:15

The U.S. has long balanced military strength with soft power in the Middle East through agencies like USAID. With the Trump administration reversing these policies, is this a necessary realignment—or a costly retreat? Those against these changes argue this will boost rivals like Iran and China and harm America’s image. Those hailing them argue it’s…

1
Why Networks are Your MOAT and Competitive Edge (And How to Build Them?) | Alix Pasquet's Triad Strategy 34:59

2M ago34:59

34:59

In this special episode, I share transformative insights on the power of networks, heavily inspired by the wisdom of Alix Pasquet, a Managing Partner at Prime Macaya Capital Management. I dive into his framework for understanding how your network acts as both a critical competitive moat and a vital margin of safety in investing and business. Key to…

1
Put the Funny in Fundraising 17:17

2M ago17:17

17:17

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with Mark Mayer, Ph.D., clinical associate professor at the Kelley School of Business and former brand manager turned humor scholar, to explore the serious power of being funny in fundraising. Mayer’s deep dive into advertising and branding reve…

1
Should the U.S. Prioritize Settling Mars? 53:15

2M ago53:15

53:15

NASA, SpaceX, and other private companies are working on plans to make Mars humanity’s next frontier. However, should settling Mars be one of America’s priorities? Those arguing “yes” say the U.S. should do it first before China does, and it would lead to new advances in science and technology. But those against doing so say there are big issues th…

1
How We Bought 15 Companies Worth $270M in Just 24 Months | Yuen Yung Interview 1:04:12

2M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

My guest today is Yuen Yung, Founding Partner at HalBar Partners, a firm focused on operator-led acquisitions. In just two years, HalBar and NCA ETA have closed 15 acquisitions totaling $270M in enterprise value, hitting their goal of 10 deals per year. We discuss: Yuen’s journey from immigrant roots to building HalBar The firm’s investment thesis,…

1
Volunteers and Fundraising 15:09

2M ago15:09

15:09

In this episode of The First Day podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz welcomes Jaclyn Piatak, Ph.D., professor at UNC Charlotte and co-author of Volunteer Management: A Strategic Approach, to bust the myth that volunteers are just free labor. Piatak lays the groundwork for a new way of thinking about volunteers, not as warm bodies to do the grunt work…

1
Is Objectivity Essential to Journalism? 53:15

2M ago53:15

53:15

For decades, objectivity has been cited as journalism's gold standard, promising that journalists would stick “to the facts" and deliver both sides of the story, excluding their personal views. Those in support say it builds trust and gives newsreaders the information they need to form their own opinions. Those against say it suppresses certain val…

1
Smart Girl Dumb Questions: Is the Future Bleak? 43:26

2M ago43:26

43:26

Today we’re bringing you an episode of Smart Girl Dumb Questions, the new podcast by one of our frequent guest moderators, Nayeema Raza. Nayeema asks the questions we’re all thinking to big thinkers in this new show. It is brimming with curiosity, open-mindedness and a willingness to learn – values we hold dear at Open to Debate. As fertility rates…

1
How We Bought 35 Businesses and Built a $700M HoldCo | Jesper Søgaard Interview 49:31

2M ago49:31

49:31

My guest today is Jesper Søgaard, co-founder and CEO of Better Collective — a global leader in digital sports media and sports betting information, with over 400 million monthly visits, 1,200+ employees, and 20 international offices. Founded in 2004, Better Collective has grown into a powerhouse through a disciplined mix of organic growth and over …

1
Failed Stewardship Leads to Failed Fundraising 18:53

2M ago18:53

18:53

In this episode of The First Day podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Geah Pressgrove, Ph.D., professor at West Virginia University and public relations maven-turned-research powerhouse, to explore the mighty mechanics of donor stewardship. Dr. Pressgrove pulls back the curtain on her groundbreaking 2017 research that distilled 26…

1
Think Twice: About Abundance with Derek Thompson 53:15

2M ago53:15

53:15

Reporter and podcaster Derek Thompson says we’re better at recognizing problems, but our ability to solve them has not improved. How can we make sure meaningful progress occurs? In this conversation with Open to Debate guest moderator Nayeema Raza, Thompson will discuss his new book “Abundance,” rethinking yesterday’s issues to address today’s prob…

1
The Ultimate HoldCo Model: Turning Advisory into Long-Term Equity in Wonderful Businesses | Matthew Mathison Interview 1:03:57

2M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Meet Matthew Mathison – Co-founder and Managing Partner at MBL Partners, a firm building and investing in enduring, cash-flowing businesses. With a unique mix of Wall Street experience and entrepreneurial grit, Matthew shares how MBL identifies overlooked opportunities, partners with exceptional operators, and builds long-term value without chasing…

1
Fundraising During Times of Disaster 18:32

2M ago18:32

18:32

In this episode of The First Day podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Patty McIlreavy, President and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), to discuss how charitable giving shifts during times of disaster. Patty begins by reframing the very concept of disaster—not as the event itself, like a hurricane or wildfire, but …

1
Should We Address the Gender Wage Gap? 53:15

2M ago53:15

53:15

American women are, on average, paid 84 cents for every dollar men make, according to the Department of Labor. This wage gap has persisted despite near-record rates of women’s participation in the labor market, with wage gaps even larger for women in minority populations, and it’s estimated that pay parity will not be achieved until 2052. Should po…

1
My First 5 Acquisitions and How I'm Building a $20m EBITDA SaaS HoldCo | Pascal Levy-Garboua Interview 1:07:53

2M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

In this episode, I sit down with Pascal Levy-Garboua, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and the founder of Noosa Labs. After making 140 venture capital investments, including seven unicorns, Pascal shifted his focus to acquiring and scaling small, profitable SaaS businesses under Noosa Labs. His next goal? Building a $50 million ARR portfolio with…

1
Latest Guidance on AI and Fundraising 19:54

3M ago19:54

19:54

In this episode of The First Day podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Dr. Ashutosh Nandeshwar, Senior Vice President at CCS Fundraising and author of Data Science for Fundraising, to explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in nonprofit fundraising. Dr. Nandeshwar breaks AI into two key categories: traditi…

1
How a Youtuber Built an 8-Fig Holdco of 6 Businesses | Arie Scherson Interview 1:14:21

3M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

Meet Arie Scherson, co-founder of Bluedot Holdings, a fast-growing e-commerce and SaaS holding company with six portfolio businesses generating over $10 million in revenue. Arie started his journey as a YouTuber in his 20s, testing 15 different products before mastering Facebook Ads and scaling his first business. Through relentless experimentation…

1
UN Efforts in the Middle East: Helping or Hurting? 53:15

3M ago53:15

53:15

UNRWA and other peacekeeping forces in the Middle East play an important role in the Israel-Palestine conflict, but do they do enough? Those saying they help argue that they act as buffers between warring factions, preventing wider regional escalation. Those saying they hurt argue they fail to maintain neutrality. Now we debate: UN Efforts in the M…

1
The Latest on Taxes and Charitable Giving 15:16

3M ago15:16

15:16

In this episode of The First Day podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Dr. Patrick Rooney, Emeritus Professor at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, to discuss the ongoing debate over the Universal Charitable Deduction (UCD). With decades of expertise in philanthropy and economics, Dr. Rooney explains how ta…

1
Is Musk’s DOGE Dodging the Law? 53:15

3M ago53:15

53:15

Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have taken on a contentious role in the new Trump administration, which has affected federal agencies and thousands of workers. But are DOGE’s actions legal? Those arguing they aren’t worry it is overstepping and violating the Constitution. Those supporting DOGE’s actions say it is operat…

1
PODCAST BONUS RELEASE: Is it Time to End Daylight Savings Time? 1:01:03

3M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

Are you ready to change the clock on Sunday? Is springing forward or falling back still an idea worth practicing? Those ready to end Daylight Savings argue it is inconvenient and has negative health and productivity effects. Those who want to keep Daylight Savings argue the time change’s effects are temporary and helps improve our quality of life. …

1
30+ Acquisitions And Counting – The Hidden Genius of Jeremy Giffon 28:09

3M ago28:09

28:09

Jeremy Giffon is one of the most interesting minds in business that almost no one knows about. As a former analyst at Tiny Capital, he played a key role in acquiring and operating dozens of companies—while staying almost completely out of the spotlight. His insights on capital allocation, holding companies, and finding asymmetric opportunities have…

1
Stewarding Your Middle Level Donors 20:22

3M ago20:22

20:22

In this episode of The First Day podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Robert Osborne Jr., principal of The Osborne Group, to discuss the often-overlooked but crucial segment of mid-level donors. With extensive experience in frontline fundraising and consulting, Robert highlights the importance of mid-level gifts—typically ranging …

1
Was Trump Right to Increase Tariffs on Chinese Imports? 53:15

3M ago53:15

53:15

President Trump recently enacted a ten percent additional tariff on Chinese imports, and China has enacted retaliatory tariffs in response. Those affirming the tariffs are necessary argue they will encourage citizens to buy more domestically produced products. Those against the tariffs argue they will also create a trade war, harming both economies…

1
How This Young Man Bought a $10M Business with Just $40K – Secrets from a $400M Lender | Bruce Marks Interview 1:05:03

3M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

Bruce Marks is a seasoned lender who has closed over $400M in deals, helping over 1,200 entrepreneurs acquire businesses using SBA loans. As Senior VP at First Bank of the Lake, Bruce specializes in financing small business acquisitions, search funds, and lower middle-market M&A transactions. Bruce doesn’t just finance deals—he knows what makes a b…

1
From Disney to Donor Relations 15:46

3M ago15:46

15:46

In this episode of the First Day podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Lynne Wester, founder and principal of the Donor Relations Group. Drawing from her background at Walt Disney World and expertise in fundraising, Lynne shares how nonprofits can enhance donor relations by creating memorable, emotionally engaging experiences. She …

1
Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic? 53:15

3M ago53:15

53:15

America is suffering from a loneliness epidemic. Some groups have suggested religious communities may be key to solving it. Could it help? Those arguing “yes” say it gives people regular social contact, support systems, and a sense of purpose that could combat isolation. Those arguing “no” say that secular options would provide better, broad-based …

1
How 4 Swedish Serial Acquirers Scaled To a 49x P/E Ratio | Niklas Sävås Interview 55:09

3M ago55:09

55:09

In this episode, we dive into the world of serial acquisitions with Niklas Savas, an analyst at Redeye, who has a unique perspective on the Swedish serial acquirers' approach. Addtech AB: Over 150 companies, $1.5B in revenue, $150M in operating profit. Lagercrantz Group AB: Around 40 companies, $500M in revenue, $50M in profit Lifco AB: Over 100 co…

1
Donor Perceptions of AI 21:09

3M ago21:09

21:09

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Cherian Koshy, CFRE, CAP®, Vice President at Kindsight and co-author of the study Donor Perceptions of AI. The conversation discusses how donors perceive the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the nonprofit sector. This independently funded study sur…

1
Is It Time to Break Up with Dating Apps? 53:15

4M ago53:15

53:15

How’s your love life? With platforms like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and OkCupid offering endless opportunities to connect, many people searching for The One think signing up for a dating app should be a go-to for finding their match. However, new research is showing some users are signing off, including ninety percent of Gen Z users. Those staying on …

1
How I Bought 4 Companies and Built a One-Man HoldCo Doing $20M in Revenue | Dustin Carreon Interview 1:29:13

4M ago1:29:13

1:29:13

Today’s story is a huge reminder to not cancel out the troubled kid or the teen who doesn't have it all together. Just a down-to-earth success story (with all the drama, obstacles, grind and persistence for 90-min straight). Dustin Carreon’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and strategic thinking. He started with a business that h…

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Day Podcast The Fund Raising School

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